A strange problem with product key

[lemel_man]

I'm trying to install XP Pro into an empty partition to be dual booted
with an existing W2K system. The XP CD was an original MS one in an
unopened envelope.
I entered the product key and was given the option to reformat the
partition as NTFS. I was reasonably certain it was NTFS already, but
wasn't sure so, because the install takes over the entire screen, I
canceled the install to check. I was right, it was NTFS, so I
restarted the install, but now it won't accept the key. I've tried all
sorts of things, including rebooting, but its adamant that the key is
invalid.
It accepted it once so why not again?

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

You will be quite impatient with me when I tell you it HAS to be a typo.
Try zero for "O", and B for 8, and so on.

 

[lemel_man]

You will be quite impatient with me when I tell you it HAS to be a typo.
Try zero for "O", and B for 8, and so on.

I've tried that - every combination I could dream up - nothing. The
only way it could be a typo was the first time; what are the chances
of a typo generating a correct key? It worked the first time, but
never again.

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

It is my understanding that the acceptance of the Product Key during setup
is not at all attached to any requirement for 'authentication'. If the
product key passes a 'validity' test, it works. Somehow this is failing and
the reason is probably some damage to the setup CD, (or other 'original
media' in use.)