XP pro sp3 disc installation problem

[ingeborgdot]

I have tried to install a new xp pro sp3 disc on a new computer but have been getting errors in the installation. I have tried 3 different times but it says that the disc is missing some components and when it is final it does not work properly. I talked to microsoft but they are of no help. I finally talked to a tech person that asked me if I had another disc and I have an older sp2 disc. He said to install that but when I put in the key for my new disc it does not work with my older disc. I finally put in my old key and it worked fine. THe installation went off without a hitch but I won't be able to use my old key when I activate it. When I install the sp3 download will I be able to change my key to the new disc key? Can someone help me here? I have never had this problem before.

[Buffalo2102]

Install using your old disk and product key but when asked about automatically activating select no.  Upgrade using the new SP3 disc and then change the product key by following the instructions here http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/ht/changexpkey.htm

Then activate.

Good luck!

Buff

[ingeborgdot]

How will I upgrade using the new sp3 disc as it is corrupt?  Do you mean the sp3 upgrade that the tech guy sent me? 

[Buffalo2102]

If the disk is corrupt then use what the tech sent, or download the SP3 executable from here http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/3/0/d30e32d8-418a-469d-b600-f32ce3edf42d/WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe

The above is for 32-bit Windows XP, I assume you aren't using 64-bit?

Buff

[ingeborgdot]

This is for a different computer.  I used the one the tech sent thanks.  It installed fine.  I have not tried to activate yet.  I want to make sure the computer is functioning properly for a couple of days before I do so.

[Buffalo2102]

Ok.  Hope it works out for you.

[ingeborgdot]

Nope, the key won't work.  I found out oem and retail keys even if new won't work on the other.

[Buffalo2102]

Ah, sorry, didn't realise one was oem and the other retail.

If the SP3 disc is new but corrupt then you should be able to get a replacement from the place you bought it?

[ingeborgdot]

I talked to MS yesterday and the tech asked me if he could look at my computer with EA and check it out.  I let him and we worked on it for awhile but I had to go and let him continue to work.  He said he would finish up and I let him.  When I came back he had left a new retail key on my desktop and when I tried to activate it, it worked.  I had explained my situation but he still gave me a new key and a retail one at that.  Thanks MS. 

[Buffalo2102]

Excellent outcome!

I have found most of the folks at MS are pretty reasonable when it comes to activation etc. as long as you can explain your issues to them sensibly.  Unfortunately, a few of them don't really give you the chance sometimes.

I guess that your next job will be to create your own Windows XP disc with SP3 integrated?  There are quite a few guides out there and it is worth doing if you can see yourself re-installing more times in the future.

Cheers

Buff.