XP Pro serial # does not work

[Guest]

It's that time of the year where my comp is getting bogged down and need to
reformat the hard drive. Which I have done once already and with success.
NOW... i'm being told that my serial number is incorrect, but the thing is
that it's not
what's the deal? window won't let me reformat my hard drive
Is there an issue out there in the Window XP Pro world i need to be informed
about??

 

[JS]

Double check the number and letters you enter, look out for 0 (zero) and O,
8 (eight) and B as they may look alike on the sticker.

JS

 

[JS]

To be more specific:
They will not contain a zero, one or the number five in the key. Also the
letter 'S' or the letter 'Z' is not used in
a product key.

JS

 

[Ron Martell]

It's that time of the year where my comp is getting bogged down and need to
reformat the hard drive. Which I have done once already and with success.
NOW... i'm being told that my serial number is incorrect, but the thing is
that it's not
what's the deal? window won't let me reformat my hard drive
Is there an issue out there in the Window XP Pro world i need to be informed
about??

You should never repeat never have to reformat and reinstall Windows
XP because it is "getting bogged down"

Look through Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs and uninstall
programs that you are no longer using.

Use Start - Run - MSCONFIG and go to the Startup tab. Compare the
items listed there with the checklist at
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php to see what can
safely be removed or reconfigured.

If you are using any Norton/Symantec products look for alternatives
that do not impose a heavy drag on your computer.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Bruce Chambers]

It's that time of the year where my comp is getting bogged down and need to
reformat the hard drive. Which I have done once already and with success.
NOW... i'm being told that my serial number is incorrect, but the thing is
that it's not
what's the deal? window won't let me reformat my hard drive
Is there an issue out there in the Window XP Pro world i need to be informed
about??

You need to examine the Product Key very carefully. It's awfully
easy to mistake a "B" for an "8," a "G" for a "6," an "S" for a "5," or
a "Q" for a "0" or "O." Fortunately, Microsoft had the good sense to
leave the "1's," "I's," "O's," and "0's" out of the equation. Also, be
sure that your <CapsLock> is _off_ while entering the Product Key --
this isn't supposed to make a difference, but I've seen it do so, on
rare occasions.

Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310637


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Gene K]

Where did you get the serial number you are attempting to use? If it came
off a sticker on the case, it likely is not correct. I assume that your
operating system was pre-installed by the computer manufacturer which means
that the serial number likely has OEM as part of it. You can retrieve the
internal serial number with any of these:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/ViewKeyXP.exe ,
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml ,
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html . I have previously used both
"Magical Jellybean Finder" and "Belarc" but not the other. I would recomend
"Belarc" since it provides a bunch of information about your system.
If you are absolutely convinced that the number you are attempting to use is
correct, call Microsoft.


--
GeneK
It's that time of the year where my comp is getting bogged down and need to
reformat the hard drive. Which I have done once already and with success.
NOW... i'm being told that my serial number is incorrect, but the thing is
that it's not
what's the deal? window won't let me reformat my hard drive
Is there an issue out there in the Window XP Pro world i need to be informed
about??