you've got to edit the winnt.sif file with the proper key. use the oem slp key for XP Pro for Compaq machines and make sure that is the key in the winnt.sif file. you are using the hewlett packard key not the compaq key. another thing is if you had made the disc right you never have to enter a product key during install. also you need to make sure you used the correct oem bios files. you may have used the wrong ones and that is why you are not activated and why it asks for a key at install. you need to run the oembios tool and then find out which bios files you need. then edit the winnt.sif from the vlk to oem folder appropriately
The oembios files must be correct. Any slp key will work, they need not be an exact match to the manufacturer. MS has published a generic slp key for xp pro.
apparently his oembios files aren't correct because it's not activating and asking for a key during install...