I have a Dell Optiplex 170L that I bought used for $100. It only has a 40 GB harddrive.
I have a 160 GB harddrive from a computer I had that the motherboard went bad. I tried to install the 160 GB in the Optiplex but when the computer tried to boot I received a message that Windows had to be activated. I activated Windows when I set up the computer it came out of and used it for several months until the motherboard was fried in an electrical storm.
I tried to activate the 160 GB drive through Microsoft, but they won't let me. The answer I received what that the activation code that I used when I set up the new computer was a wrong activation code and I would have to go back to the place I purchased the computer.
The 160 GB drive is running Windows XP SP2 and the 40 GB drive is running Windows XP SP3
So here is my question. I want to use the 160 GB drive for a primary, and the 40 GB drive for a secondary because the 160 GB drive has some programs on it that is not on the 40 GB drive. Does anyone know how I can activate the 160 GB drive so I can use it. I am not trying to steal anything from Microsoft, I just want to use the 160 GB drive on this other computer. After all, I did purchase the 160 GB drive in the other computer. What I can't understand is why the activation code is wrong if it activated Windows when I set up the computer it came out of.
I really would like to get the Windows on the 160 GB drive activated so I can use it.
Edited by kemperhills, 23 March 2010 - 08:00 PM.