Invalid Activation key when re-installing XP PRo

[Guest]

I am trying to re-install Windows XP Pro on a laptop. I have the original
activation key, but I keep getting an error message that the key is invalid.
I tried installing XP Pro w/ SP1 and XP Pro w/ SP2. It is possible that the
original installation was from the original XP Pro CD and therefore the key
would be for that version. Would this be the reason the key no longer works
with the SP1 or SP2 CDs? If so, how can I correct the problem if I no longer
have an original Windows XP CD?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

I am trying to re-install Windows XP Pro on a laptop. I have the original
activation key, but I keep getting an error message that the key is
invalid.
I tried installing XP Pro w/ SP1 and XP Pro w/ SP2. It is possible that
the
original installation was from the original XP Pro CD and therefore the
key
would be for that version. Would this be the reason the key no longer
works
with the SP1 or SP2 CDs? If so, how can I correct the problem if I no
longer
have an original Windows XP CD?

Yes - if your PC came preinstalled with Windows XP and you are trying to use
some other media such as retail CD then the Product Activation key will not
work with Retail media if it is an OEM key.
You should use the CD provided my your PC manufacturer.

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Guest]

Thanks but it wasn't an OEM version that was originally installed. It was a
retail version but most likely it didn't have SP1 or SP2 included. Am I in
the same situation? I have seen something similar with my Action Pack
Subscription CDs. I tried to use the key that came with my XP PRo w/ SP1 CD
when installing the updated CDs I received (XP Pro w/ SP2) and the keys are
invalid. They only work when I use the SP1 CDs.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

If the key you are using is retail the CD also must be retail.
An Action Pack CD may not work with a retail CD.
Was the original full or upgrade? That also must match.

If you simply slipstreamed SP-2 to the original CD, that should work OK.
You state you do not have the original CD, what is the connection between
the original CD and the CD you are using?