Bad Product Key - Windows 2000

[DJH]

I am trying to reinstall Windows 2000 on a PC after having to replace the
hard drive. I have the CD that came direct from Microsoft many years ago and
a Product Key sticker on the envelope. In the setup, after entering the type
of keyboard,etc. it asks for the product key. It does not accept the one
that I enter. Is there any way to tell from the key if I have the correct
envelope and that it is indeed for Windows 2000? What else could be wrong?
How can I get a valid key?

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I am trying to reinstall Windows 2000 on a PC after having to replace the
hard drive. I have the CD that came direct from Microsoft many years ago
and
a Product Key sticker on the envelope. In the setup, after entering the
type
of keyboard,etc. it asks for the product key. It does not accept the one
that I enter. Is there any way to tell from the key if I have the correct
envelope and that it is indeed for Windows 2000? What else could be
wrong?
How can I get a valid key?

You can tell if the key does not match the CD: When the installation
program rejects it. Try a friend's Win2000 CD instead, making sure
that it is a different type (e.g. OEM instead of Retail). BTW, this is a
WinXP newsgroup. You might want to post future questions in
Win2000.general.

 

[Ghostrider]

I am trying to reinstall Windows 2000 on a PC after having to replace the
hard drive. I have the CD that came direct from Microsoft many years ago and
a Product Key sticker on the envelope. In the setup, after entering the type
of keyboard,etc. it asks for the product key. It does not accept the one
that I enter. Is there any way to tell from the key if I have the correct
envelope and that it is indeed for Windows 2000? What else could be wrong?
How can I get a valid key?

One thing to do is to be very careful whilst entering the Product Key.
Do not, for instance, confuse the letter "O" for the number "0" or the
letter "B" for the number "8", etc. These things happen when "blocky"
letters are being used on a tape that does distort or the ink smears,
etc. The more astute developers avoid using number-character sets that
can confuse.

 

[DJH]

I don't see any Windows 2000 groups listed in the discussion group index, so
that's why I ended up using XP. I see older versions of Windows, but not
2000.

Is there any way to tell from the product key what product it is for?

 

[DJH]

I have checked it carefully and am sure I am entering the product key
correctly.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I gave you the Win2000 group name.
No, there isn't any published way to relate a product key
back to its product. Either it works or it doesn't. This is why
it's best to enter all product keys into a spreadsheet (for example)
so that you can't get caught by slipping a CD into the wrong
sleeve.

 

[Tom [Pepper] Willett]

Then go ask in the Windows 2000 newsgroup that Pegasus gave you.

:I have checked it carefully and am sure I am entering the product key
: correctly.
: --
: DJH
:
:
: "Ghostrider" wrote:
:
: >
: > DJH wrote:
: >
: > > I am trying to reinstall Windows 2000 on a PC after having to replace
the
: > > hard drive. I have the CD that came direct from Microsoft many years
ago and
: > > a Product Key sticker on the envelope. In the setup, after entering
the type
: > > of keyboard,etc. it asks for the product key. It does not accept the
one
: > > that I enter. Is there any way to tell from the key if I have the
correct
: > > envelope and that it is indeed for Windows 2000? What else could be
wrong?
: > > How can I get a valid key?
: >
: >
: > One thing to do is to be very careful whilst entering the Product Key.
: > Do not, for instance, confuse the letter "O" for the number "0" or the
: > letter "B" for the number "8", etc. These things happen when "blocky"
: > letters are being used on a tape that does distort or the ink smears,
: > etc. The more astute developers avoid using number-character sets that
: > can confuse.
: >
: >

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am trying to reinstall Windows 2000 on a PC after having to replace the
hard drive. I have the CD that came direct from Microsoft many years ago and
a Product Key sticker on the envelope. In the setup, after entering the type
of keyboard,etc. it asks for the product key. It does not accept the one
that I enter.

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

Is there any way to tell from the key if I have the correct
envelope and that it is indeed for Windows 2000?

No, there isn't.



--

Bruce Chambers

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