I'm trying to reinstall and it says my product key is not Valid

[Guest]

I got a copy of windows SP2 and im trying to reinstall and everytime i enter
my product code thats on the side of my computer an error message says the
product key is invalid try again? Can anyone help, i dont want to do a
reformat and risk losing everything and not being able to get my computer to
work again. any help is appreciated

 

[McFly]

Paxon,

If it is a valid product code, give Microsoft a call and they will
straighten that out...

-fly-

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

I got a copy of windows SP2 and im trying to reinstall and everytime i enter
my product code thats on the side of my computer an error message says the
product key is invalid try again? Can anyone help, i dont want to do a
reformat and risk losing everything and not being able to get my computer to
work again. any help is appreciated

First: where did you get that "copy of windows SP2"?

Second: by "reinstall", do you mean that you're running a "repair"?

 

[Bob I]

call up the PC vendor and "get a copy of Windows SP2" that belongs with
the license key.

 

[Ron Martell]

I got a copy of windows SP2 and im trying to reinstall and everytime i enter
my product code thats on the side of my computer an error message says the
product key is invalid try again? Can anyone help, i dont want to do a
reformat and risk losing everything and not being able to get my computer to
work again. any help is appreciated

Product Keys and the installation CDs must match each other with
respect to:
- Edition (Home, Pro, Tablet, Media Center)
- Version (OEM, Retail Upgrade, Retail Full Install, Volume License,
etc.)
- Language.

A difference in any one of these will result in the sort of problems
you are reporting. Additionally, Product Keys and CDs for OEM
versions will very often be locked to the specific OEM that
manufactured/assembled the computer and cannot be used on computers
from other manufacturers.

I assume you are attempting to do a "Repair Install" for some reason
or other. What is the specific problem that you are trying to fix by
doing this repair install?

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]

I got a copy of windows SP2 and im trying to reinstall and everytime i enter
my product code thats on the side of my computer an error message says the
product key is invalid try again? Can anyone help, i dont want to do a
reformat and risk losing everything and not being able to get my computer to
work again. any help is appreciated

Are you using the original OEM CD that came with the computer, or an
unbranded, generic OEM CD? 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 CD types cannot be mixed &
matched.

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

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Paxon,

If it is a valid product code, give Microsoft a call and they will
straighten that out...

Actually, Microsoft cannot help in this instance. Based on the OP's
statement that the Product Key is on a label affixed to the computer, he
has an OEM license. Therefore, any and all support must come from the
computer manufacturer.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell