Invalid CD Key during clean install of XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

I have an old Compac which I upgraded with a version of XP Pro from work. I
work for a University, and we have an agreement that we can load the same
version on both our work and home computers.

My harddrive was a mess, decided to clean it off and start fresh. All was
well till it asked me for my key, which I have checked, rechecked, and
checked again....the error is CD Key is invalid. I'm still in the install
process, so it's not an activation issue as far as I can see, the machine is
not online or on my work network at all.

Any ideas how I get either a) a new key, or b) find what key it wants while
still in the install mode?

Thanks in advance.
 
Jen;
Check with your IT department at work for the correct key for that CD.
There are many different types of CDs and keys and they are not
interchangeable so make sure the CD and Key are from the same source.
 
I will check with the IT dept, but I installed this very same version a year
ago, same computer, same key. Not sure why it would be different now...

Thanks all the same...
 
Jupiter said:
Jen;
Are you using the same CD as well as the same key?
If so you must be reading the key incorrectly.
O-0. G-6. S-5 and other look alike so look closely.
Have someone else try, another set of eyes and fingers may get it correctly.
Click to expand...
Don't forget B-8. I hit that one all the time.
 
XPLuser said:
I have an old Compac which I upgraded with a version of XP Pro from work. I
work for a University, and we have an agreement that we can load the same
version on both our work and home computers.

My harddrive was a mess, decided to clean it off and start fresh. All was
well till it asked me for my key, which I have checked, rechecked, and
checked again....the error is CD Key is invalid. I'm still in the install
process, so it's not an activation issue as far as I can see, the machine is
not online or on my work network at all.

Any ideas how I get either a) a new key, or b) find what key it wants while
still in the install mode?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...


Which Product Key are you using, the one that the university provided
along with the CD, or the original Compaq OEM Product Key affixed to the
side of the computer? If the latter, it won't work.

Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD
and/or 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.

Additionally, 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
 
Back
Top