windows xp update install problems..

M

mike

i recently purchased a computer for my kids at a garage
sale that came with windows xp professional already
loaded. i have been able to install all of the automatic
updates except the service packs. i get an error message
that says something to the effect that my product key is
invalid and it cannot install the service packs. what do
i do know. do i have to purchase a new product key to be
able to update my software? the letters OEM do not appear
on my "registerd to" page. i'm not sure where the
software came from originally. hopefully i don't have to
purchase the full program...any help would be
appreaciated...thanks....mike
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

It appears you have a pirated, illegal version of Windows XP Professional
installed on that computer.

Run the Windows XP Product Key Validation Assistant:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

You receive a "The product key used to install Windows is invalid" error message:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&Product=winxp

If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update:

"The product key used to install Windows is invalid"

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

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| i recently purchased a computer for my kids at a garage
| sale that came with windows xp professional already
| loaded. i have been able to install all of the automatic
| updates except the service packs. i get an error message
| that says something to the effect that my product key is
| invalid and it cannot install the service packs. what do
| i do know. do i have to purchase a new product key to be
| able to update my software? the letters OEM do not appear
| on my "registerd to" page. i'm not sure where the
| software came from originally. hopefully i don't have to
| purchase the full program...any help would be
| appreaciated...thanks....mike
 

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