GeorgeF wrote:
On Jan 20, 10:17 pm, "Daave"
wrote:

Please describe the disc in as much detail as possible. Did it come
with a genuine holographic Microsoft COA?

The disc is copper in tone, with holographic lettering, with the words
"WindowsXP Professional" on it. "XP" is in superscript, and
"Professional" is written below "Windows." On tilting the words
"Microsoft Windows XP" appears written repeatedly on the bottom half
of the label face. Below is a hologram block with the word
"Microsoft" on top of a lined globe. Phases found elsewhere in the
hologram:

"For distribution with a new PC only. For product support, contact
the manufacturer of your PC."

"Includes Service Pack 2"

"Version 2002"

"0504 Part No. X10-59871"

The COA isn't holographic. It's yellow and green paper sticker with
rounded edges, similar to the outline of a bar of dove soap. There
is a metallic silver strip running through the paper. On it is
written "Genuine" alternating between forward and mirror lettering.
The metallic strip is revealed in the COA through windows that are
made to look as if they were worn through the paper. On the COA in
black ink is written:

"WIndows XP Professional"

"OEM Software"

"Proof of License Certificate of Authenticity"

There are also bar codes on the left and right of the sticker.

Sure is a good description! Sounds like you're describing the so-called
Dual Port-Hole:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/h...displaylang=en


There's also the possibility that your disk and license are legal,
but someone else is using that particular product key.

Microsoft's people kind of eliminated that possibility. If the key
has never been activated (not even by me), doesn't that meant that
nobody's using it?

Yes. I suppose there's an outside chance that what you have has already
been used and has been re-shrink wrapped, and whoever sold it to you is
still using the key. But if you have the COA, you have the license to
use it. Like Philo said, call again, but be more assertive.

Is this a clean install, a repair install, or an upgrade? Use Magical
Jellybean Keyfinder or Belarc Advisor to see what the key is in your
current system:

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

You may also want to look at:

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/def...displaylang=en

and "Windows XP Genuine Advantage Validation Issues (Windows XP)":
http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/...=442&SiteID=25