XP Activation with external Hd?

[Ken_Winters]

I'm not sure where else to post this question.

I have numerous PXI-8196 systems in the field that boot from an external SCSI disk (for security reasons). I initially configured them by creating a disk image of the internal HD (with XP already installed) on the SCSI disk and then removing the internal disks. Now we want to upgrade the processors with PXI-8108's, without losing any of the settings/files currently on the SCSI disks.

When I switch a PXI-8196 with a PXI-8108 and have it boot from the SCSI, it obviously recognizes that XP is running on different hardward and prompts me to Activate Windows.  All attempts to perform MS activation fail, because MS doesn't recognize the installation ID. My understanding is that this is because NI (an OEM) handles XP licensing differently, somehow involving a special code written to the BIOS.

Short of having to back-up all user files from the SCSI, creating a new image (from the 8108's internal HD) on the SCSI, and then reinstalling all the applications on the SCSI, is there any other way to accomplish what I'm trying to do?

Ken

[pflores]

Ken,

I have never heard that NI handles activation differently or using any BIOS codes. To my understanding, Windows activation just goes from your machine to the Microsoft servers. 

When trying to activate, are you using the activation code for the 8196 or the 8108? Were they both purchased Windows XP Pro?

A couple of thoughts:

- If you are using the old activation code, it may be expired or exhausted (installed on too many machines).

- If you are using the new activation code, maybe the Windows ditributions don't match exactly. ex You cannot activate XP Professional with an XP Home code or vice-versa.

Have you tried talking to Microsoft? They may have some better input.

Regards,

[Ken_Winters · Accepted solution]

Peter,

Thanks for the response.

Your response prompted me to check a few more things and I was finally able to get it to work.  The 8108 came with a Vista Product Key code (even though we purchased it with XP), which didn't work for the XP on the SCSI boot disk, so I had attempted to use the Product Key I read (using a key decryption utility) on the factory installed 8108 HD, but that didn't work either. I found that all my PXI boxes (8187's, 8196's, and 8108's) report the same Product Key to the decryption utility, so I figured that must be a problem.  When I used an XP Product Key on the chassis tag, that worked and allowed me to register.

All is well now.

Thanks,

Ken