CD Key Errors

[Evan Patton]

Recently I had to reinstall Windows due to some hardware
issues but I had misplaced my CD. I borrowed my friend's
disk and got through to the point where you enter in your
key. I still have my key but when I put it in Windows
said it was no good. It's the same one I used to install
with my disk so I don't see why it wouldn't work, unless
there's one unique key per disk.

Does this mean I'm going to have to go out and get
another copy of Windows?

Evan

 

[Mike Kolitz]

CD-Keys with different media are always interesting, because the key is
specific to the type of media. A retail key is different from an OEM key,
is different from a Volume License key, is different from an MSDN key.

My guess is that you're probably not using the same media type that your
CD-Key is created for. Did you buy your Windows XP from a store in a
cardboard (retail) box? Or did you buy it from a computer store in a small
package, or did it come pre-installed on your computer?

If the former, you have a retail CD/Key combination. If the latter, you
have an OEM CD/Key combination.

If you need a replacement CD:
For retail version replacements: Call (800) 426-9400
For OEM replacements, contact the OEM who sold it.

You may also want to double-check the key to make sure you typed it
correctly. Sometimes, the Bs can look like 8s, and 6s like Gs, etc.

--
Mike Kolitz MCSE 2000
MS-MVP - Windows Setup and Deployment

Remember to check Windows Update often,
and apply the patches marked as Critical!
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for
any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and
vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full
version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to
install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work with
an English CD.

Bottom line: Product Keys and CDs cannot be mixed & matched. You
have to have the specific type of installation CD for which that
license and Product Key was designed.

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact the PC's
manufacturer.

Bruce Chambers

--
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Evan Patton]

What would you consider "proof of purchase"?

I bought XP Pro in December of '01. The receit is long
gone by now. Unfortunately for me the CD was in the blue
folder-like thing with the key on the back. I do have a
written copy of the key just in case somthing like this
did happen, but since I can't use the key with a different
version of Windows XP Pro I'm really stuck.

Evan

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You'd have to call Microsoft to get a definitive answer, but I
believe that "proof of purchase" would have to consist of either the
receipt, or the number imprinted around the center of the CD, on the
non-labeled underside. But maybe the Product Key you have will be
sufficient; call and ask.

If you've lost the CD, the CoA, and the receipt, though, you might
be out of luck. After all, if you forgot where you parked your car,
would you expect Ford to replace it?


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH