product key not valid for service pack 2

G

Guest

I was given a used computer a few months ago and I keep getting a message on
the tool bar that windows has an update ready to install which is the service
pack 2. After a few attemps I keep getting an error message: The product key
used to install microsoft windows may not be valid. What should I do. I am
pretty computer reclined so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gabrielle
 
L

Lawrence A. Wong

Sounds like the verion of windows you are using might be pirated. Usually
windows update only catches pirated versions when you install something
major like a service pack. Hotfixes generally don't trigger this message.

Try this wizard:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

Then you will know if your version of windows is Authentic.

--
Lawrence Wong
Microsoft Beta Tester
[MS Connect ID: 1023766]

Current Project(s)
- MSN Messenger Beta 7.5
 
B

Bruce Chambers

Gabrielle said:
I was given a used computer a few months ago and I keep getting a message on
the tool bar that windows has an update ready to install which is the service
pack 2. After a few attemps I keep getting an error message: The product key
used to install microsoft windows may not be valid. What should I do. I am
pretty computer reclined so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gabrielle



If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:

The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and use a _legitimate_ full retail copy of
WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation,
using the new CD and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341



--

Bruce Chambers

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