Apparently, the laptop owner installed an unauthorized,
pirated, and illegal version of Windows XP Professional.
If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update to SP1:
Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&Product=winxp
You'll have to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and perform a "Repair Install" using the new Windows XP Pro CD and Product Key
that comes with it. (You cannot simply change the Product Key)
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
In order to reinstall Windows XP Home, a "clean install" would be required.
Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
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| Recently looking at two laptops for a customer and wishing to perform Windows Update, I have encountered
"Licence Key is invalid" I have been informed by the customer their preivous IT provider appears to have
duplicated an XP key when performing two Home to Pro upgrades. They have the second valid licence and has
asked if it is possible to replace the licence key in one of the installations?
|
| I have not been able to determin a method by which this is possible, is any one able to help me with this.
Hopefully I don't need to rebuild the workstation back to XP Home and perform the upgrade.