Correct Key Code on XP Installation

[onethumb]

I acquired a PC from a sale that had Windows XP Pro
already on it. However, when trying to install the on line
updates for SP1 or SP2 I get an "invalid key code"
message. Since the PC didn't come with the XP Pro disk, I
went to the school student store and bought a copy there.

I did some hunting on the MS Knowledge Base and found
articles 328874 and 810892 and followed them (edit
registry to change the key code, then run "msoobe.exe /a"
to reactivate the Windows XP Pro with the (good?) key code
from the original disk I bought. It still gives the same
error when trying to install the SP1 or SP2.

Is there a way to get this straightened out without going
through the pain of reinstalling XP from scratch?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

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

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:

| I acquired a PC from a sale that had Windows XP Pro
| already on it. However, when trying to install the on line
| updates for SP1 or SP2 I get an "invalid key code"
| message. Since the PC didn't come with the XP Pro disk, I
| went to the school student store and bought a copy there.
|
| I did some hunting on the MS Knowledge Base and found
| articles 328874 and 810892 and followed them (edit
| registry to change the key code, then run "msoobe.exe /a"
| to reactivate the Windows XP Pro with the (good?) key code
| from the original disk I bought. It still gives the same
| error when trying to install the SP1 or SP2.
|
| Is there a way to get this straightened out without going
| through the pain of reinstalling XP from scratch?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I acquired a PC from a sale that had Windows XP Pro
already on it. However, when trying to install the on line
updates for SP1 or SP2 I get an "invalid key code"
message. Since the PC didn't come with the XP Pro disk, I
went to the school student store and bought a copy there.

I did some hunting on the MS Knowledge Base and found
articles 328874 and 810892 and followed them (edit
registry to change the key code, then run "msoobe.exe /a"
to reactivate the Windows XP Pro with the (good?) key code
from the original disk I bought. It still gives the same
error when trying to install the SP1 or SP2.

Is there a way to get this straightened out without going
through the pain of reinstalling XP from scratch?

The two methods you tried work only if the new Product Key comes
with the same type of license as is alreeady installed. 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 you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:

The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and use a _legitimate_ full retail copy of
WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation,
using the new CD and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

--

Bruce Chambers

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both at once. - RAH

 

[Michael Stevens]

I acquired a PC from a sale that had Windows XP Pro
already on it. However, when trying to install the on line
updates for SP1 or SP2 I get an "invalid key code"
message. Since the PC didn't come with the XP Pro disk, I
went to the school student store and bought a copy there.

I did some hunting on the MS Knowledge Base and found
articles 328874 and 810892 and followed them (edit
registry to change the key code, then run "msoobe.exe /a"
to reactivate the Windows XP Pro with the (good?) key code
from the original disk I bought. It still gives the same
error when trying to install the SP1 or SP2.

Is there a way to get this straightened out without going
through the pain of reinstalling XP from scratch?

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Change Product key.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need2
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
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