CD Key & Install

[Carel Lee]

Hello,

First off is there a news group for issues concerning software piracy?

We have a few computers around here made by Sony, Dell, Compaq, HP.......
they all have their Genuine Sticker with the Windows XP or Windows 2000
Professional CD key. When we try to install using a retail version of
Windows (XP or 2000) or the version that comes with our Action Pack
Subscription we get an invalid CD Key message if we use the key that is on
the sticker at the bottom of the computer or the side.

Some time ago I asked how do I resolve this issue and was told that I could
use any key that works because it did not really matter something to that
effect. So we did that on a few machines and now to download Microsoft
Updates and other fixes we have to validate. These machines fail the
validation process. What are we to do now?

Anther issue, we are now receiving what I understand is slipstream media in
our Action Pack subscription and when we try to install these using the CD
Key form the original product we get the invalid key message again. How do
we resolve this?

Also how do we change the CD Key used for Windows installation? We used a
method listed on the Microsoft website that was designed for SP1 but it does
not work with SP2.

Thank you.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello,

First off is there a news group for issues concerning software piracy?

We have a few computers around here made by Sony, Dell, Compaq, HP.......
they all have their Genuine Sticker with the Windows XP or Windows 2000
Professional CD key. When we try to install using a retail version of
Windows (XP or 2000) or the version that comes with our Action Pack
Subscription we get an invalid CD Key message if we use the key that is on
the sticker at the bottom of the computer or the side.

Correct. That's the way it should work. You have to use the OEM
installation CDs that came with those computers.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license
(OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are purchased.
For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail
version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa.
An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and
vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
Bottom line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

Some time ago I asked how do I resolve this issue and was told that I could
use any key that works because it did not really matter something to that
effect. So we did that on a few machines and now to download Microsoft
Updates and other fixes we have to validate. These machines fail the
validation process. What are we to do now?

Perform repair installations using the correct installation media.
(Oh, and never again ask advice of gave you the bogus information the
first time.)

Anther issue, we are now receiving what I understand is slipstream media in
our Action Pack subscription and when we try to install these using the CD
Key form the original product we get the invalid key message again. How do
we resolve this?

Again, Product Keys and installation CDs *cannot* be mixed & matched.
Period. Stop trying to do so.

Also how do we change the CD Key used for Windows installation? We used a
method listed on the Microsoft website that was designed for SP1 but it does
not work with SP2.

Perform a repair installation, using the correct Product Key and
installation CD.


--

Bruce Chambers

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