Invalid Product Key, Windows XP Pro OEM SP2

[inlined]

I have purchased Windows XP Professional OEM edition SP2, and during
installation, when it asks for Product key, after typing it in it says
it is invalid. I visited the website listed on the booklet to figure
out how to tell if i have purchased a pirated version or not, and
after going through the steps, the product has passed all the tests
and has been declared legit by the website. I am positive i typed in
the Product Key correctly without any confusion between the
characters, several times even, but with no avail. The relevant
support page (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310637) does not help
me, especially since most of the methods assume i already have Windows
installed. I am wondering if there are any other steps i can take to
completing the installation?

 

[RJK]

I have purchased Windows XP Professional OEM edition SP2, and during
installation, when it asks for Product key, after typing it in it says
it is invalid. I visited the website listed on the booklet to figure
out how to tell if i have purchased a pirated version or not, and
after going through the steps, the product has passed all the tests
and has been declared legit by the website. I am positive i typed in
the Product Key correctly without any confusion between the
characters, several times even, but with no avail. The relevant
support page (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310637) does not help
me, especially since most of the methods assume i already have Windows
installed. I am wondering if there are any other steps i can take to
completing the installation?

The "B" looks Sooooo much like an "8" on COA stickers !
....sure that's not it ?

regards, Richard

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Please follow this simple troubleshooting procedure, courtesy of MS MVP
Carey Frisch:

1. Download and install the WGA Diagnostic Tool
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

2. After running the WGA Diagnostic Tool, click on the "Windows" tab and
then click on "Copy to Clipboard".

3. Next, visit the following website and create a post in the "WGA
Validation Problems" forum and paste the results of the WGA Diagnostic Data
in a detailed post:
http://social.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads/

4. A WGA troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an
appropriate solution.

 

[inlined]

Please follow this simple troubleshooting procedure, courtesy of MS MVP
Carey Frisch:

1. Download and install the WGA Diagnostic Toolhttp://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

2. After running the WGA Diagnostic Tool, click on the "Windows" tab and
then click on "Copy to Clipboard".

3. Next, visit the following website and create a post in the "WGA
Validation Problems" forum and paste the results of the WGA Diagnostic Data
in a detailed post:http://social.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads/

4. A WGA troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an
appropriate solution.

Unfortunately, i cannot do what has been suggested: i do not have
Windows installed; i am trying to install it but am receiving the
invalid product id error. But i'll browse the link provided in step
three to see if i can find anything. If you have any other methods
that may help solve my problem, please provide.

 

[Alias]

I have purchased Windows XP Professional OEM edition SP2, and during
installation, when it asks for Product key, after typing it in it says
it is invalid. I visited the website listed on the booklet to figure
out how to tell if i have purchased a pirated version or not, and
after going through the steps, the product has passed all the tests
and has been declared legit by the website. I am positive i typed in
the Product Key correctly without any confusion between the
characters, several times even, but with no avail. The relevant
support page (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310637) does not help
me, especially since most of the methods assume i already have Windows
installed. I am wondering if there are any other steps i can take to
completing the installation?

Where did you get the product key? Be on the look out for B as in boy
looking like the number 8, and zeros looking like the letter O. Use a
magnifying glass if necessary.

Alias

 

[Randem]

I am assuming that the key came with the CD and you are not using the one
from the label on the computer?

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restart
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

Please follow this simple troubleshooting procedure, courtesy of MS MVP
Carey Frisch:

1. Download and install the WGA Diagnostic
Toolhttp://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=56062

2. After running the WGA Diagnostic Tool, click on the "Windows" tab and
then click on "Copy to Clipboard".

3. Next, visit the following website and create a post in the "WGA
Validation Problems" forum and paste the results of the WGA Diagnostic
Data
in a detailed
post:http://social.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/genuinewindowsxp/threads/

4. A WGA troubleshooting specialist will analyze the data and recommend an
appropriate solution.

Unfortunately, i cannot do what has been suggested: i do not have
Windows installed; i am trying to install it but am receiving the
invalid product id error. But i'll browse the link provided in step
three to see if i can find anything. If you have any other methods
that may help solve my problem, please provide.

 

[inlined]

I am assuming that the key came with the CD and you are not using the one
from the label on the computer?

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generatorhttp://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restarthttp://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

Right, i purchased Windows XP Pro OEM for system builders and used the
one on the back of the booklet on the sticker. The computer did not
bring any product key, because this is a custom built computer.

 

[Mark Adams]

Right, i purchased Windows XP Pro OEM for system builders and used the
one on the back of the booklet on the sticker. The computer did not
bring any product key, because this is a custom built computer.

If you purchased from a questionable source, check the following link:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/default.aspx
Otherwise, "Alias" gives good advice, check the key carefully, you may have
entered it wrong.

 

[inlined]

If you purchased from a questionable source, check the following link:http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/default.aspx
Otherwise, "Alias" gives good advice, check the key carefully, you may have
entered it wrong.

As mentioned in my first post, i have already been there and the
product looks exactly as it should, as described on the website. I've
also checked if the product key had a pattern that is known in pirated
versions, and the product key i have does not have those patterns. The
information that Alias provided i came across before starting this
topic and it doesn't help me.

Does anyone happen to know the number i can call to get this sort of
thing resolved?

 

[Daave]

I have purchased Windows XP Professional OEM edition SP2, and during
installation, when it asks for Product key, after typing it in it says
it is invalid. I visited the website listed on the booklet to figure
out how to tell if i have purchased a pirated version or not, and
after going through the steps, the product has passed all the tests
and has been declared legit by the website. I am positive i typed in
the Product Key correctly without any confusion between the
characters, several times even, but with no avail. The relevant
support page (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310637) does not help
me, especially since most of the methods assume i already have Windows
installed. I am wondering if there are any other steps i can take to
completing the installation?

When did you purchase this? (SP2 is fairly old.)

Where did you purchase this?

And why did you purchase this? Didn't your PC come with Windows XP? If
not, what did it come with? That is, what were you using before you
attempted to install XP Pro?

What is the *exact* "invalid" message you received?

 

[inlined]

When did you purchase this? (SP2 is fairly old.)

A few days ago. (I know it's fairly old, but $90+ for XP when Vista
OEM is around the same price i find to be a rip off.)

Where did you purchase this?

Ebay. I also checked on Newegg, though, for extra verification and
this product looks exactly like the pictures except my product has the
"Small Manufacturer Pre-installed Windows COA," the blue and green
one, instead.

And why did you purchase this? Didn't your PC come with Windows XP? If
not, what did it come with? That is, what were you using before you
attempted to install XP Pro?

I purchased it because not everything works under Wine. My computer is
a custom built. This computer has only known Linux.

What is the *exact* "invalid" message you received?

"The product ID you entered is not valid."



After doing more searching around, it seems i may only be able to call
Microsoft if i get into the Windows environment. Hopefully this isn't
the case; the support page sends me literally in circles. Any chance
someone can provide me with a phone number for the United States for
this?

 

[Johnw]

After serious thinking inlined wrote :

"The product ID you entered is not valid."

Try reading that message in google.

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=The+product+ID+you+entered+is+not+valid&btnG=Search&meta=

 

[Daave]

A few days ago. (I know it's fairly old, but $90+ for XP when Vista
OEM is around the same price i find to be a rip off.)


Ebay. I also checked on Newegg, though, for extra verification and
this product looks exactly like the pictures except my product has the
"Small Manufacturer Pre-installed Windows COA," the blue and green
one, instead.

Ebay is not the seller. Something tells me the seller (who used Ebay)
didn't sell you the real McCoy. I'm aware that hindsight is 20/20, but
this is what you should have purchased:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515

Cost: $121.49.

I purchased it because not everything works under Wine. My computer is
a custom built. This computer has only known Linux.

Did you wipe the hard drive clean and attempt a Clean Install? Or are
you trying to configure a dual boot?

"The product ID you entered is not valid."

Yeah, I think you got ripped off.

After doing more searching around, it seems i may only be able to call
Microsoft if i get into the Windows environment. Hopefully this isn't
the case; the support page sends me literally in circles. Any chance
someone can provide me with a phone number for the United States for
this?

See this page:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/default.aspx

Perhaps if you call (800) RU-LEGIT, you can find out what your options
are. Good luck.

 

[inlined]

Ebay is not the seller. Something tells me the seller (who used Ebay)
didn't sell you the real McCoy. I'm aware that hindsight is 20/20, but
this is what you should have purchased:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116515

Cost: $121.49.

Are you implying that those with the Small Manufacturer Pre-installed
Windows COA are now automatically invalid? I don't see why Microsoft
would do such a thing, because that is the only difference i see
between that product and the one i purchased. Plus, you can't
guarantee me that purchasing another one will solve my problem.

Yeah, I think you got ripped off.

If that is true, then this is the best, darn fake i've ever seen. They
got everything down the to millimeter, pixel for pixel. I fail to see
how it can pass the How to Tell test and be illegitimate.

Did you wipe the hard drive clean and attempt a Clean Install? Or are
you trying to configure a dual boot?

You mean i have to have the HDD i'm trying to install it on completely
free of anything? Is Windows really that picky? I'll try it out and
see if Windows really is that picky. This will take some time.

 

[inlined]

The "B" looks Sooooo much like an "8" on COA stickers !
...sure that's not it ?

regards, Richard

There's both an 8 and a B on the product key and they both look
different to me, so if i can be more than 100% certain, i would be.

 

[Mark Adams]

A few days ago. (I know it's fairly old, but $90+ for XP when Vista
OEM is around the same price i find to be a rip off.)


Ebay. I also checked on Newegg, though, for extra verification and
this product looks exactly like the pictures except my product has the
"Small Manufacturer Pre-installed Windows COA," the blue and green
one, instead.

And just how is eBay NOT a questionable source?

 

[Alias]

Are you implying that those with the Small Manufacturer Pre-installed
Windows COA are now automatically invalid? I don't see why Microsoft
would do such a thing, because that is the only difference i see
between that product and the one i purchased. Plus, you can't
guarantee me that purchasing another one will solve my problem.


If that is true, then this is the best, darn fake i've ever seen. They
got everything down the to millimeter, pixel for pixel. I fail to see
how it can pass the How to Tell test and be illegitimate.

It may be a legit CD but a bad Product Key. The fact that you got it on
eBay is not a good sign.

You might want to consider Ubuntu. It's free and no product keys,
activation or genuineness required. Not only is it free, but it comes
with access to thousands of free programs like Thunderbird, Firefox,
etc. You can run the Live CD on your machine to make sure your hardware
is compatible. Get it at http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download.

Alias

 

[GHalleck]

Are you implying that those with the Small Manufacturer Pre-installed
Windows COA are now automatically invalid? I don't see why Microsoft
would do such a thing, because that is the only difference i see
between that product and the one i purchased. Plus, you can't
guarantee me that purchasing another one will solve my problem.

Based on the description, it would seem that the Windows XP-SP2
installation CDROM and the accompanying COA are mis-matched. The
Product Keys are linked to the different versions of Windows XP.
This would explain why the installation was aborted.

If the Product Key was "pirated", then installation would have
completed but Windows XP activation would fail.

 

[Daave]

Are you implying that those with the Small Manufacturer Pre-installed
Windows COA are now automatically invalid?

No. What I am saying is it is best to purchase Windows brand new from a
reputable dealer (such as Newegg). I doubt you would be experiencing
these problems had you done this.

As I said, hindsight is 20/20 and you can't go back in time and use this
advice. But other people who are reading this thread might benefit.
Also, since this discussion will be archived, others in the future may
benefit from the advice, too.

I don't know what you bought. Perhaps it *is* genuine after all. But I
don't know that for a fact. Had you purchased from Newegg, I would know
for a fact that it would be genuine.

I don't see why Microsoft
would do such a thing, because that is the only difference i see
between that product and the one i purchased. Plus, you can't
guarantee me that purchasing another one will solve my problem.

There are no guarantees in life I suppose, but I do know that you would
have an extremely higher chance of success buy purchasing Windows *brand
new* from a reputable dealer.

If that is true, then this is the best, darn fake i've ever seen. They
got everything down the to millimeter, pixel for pixel. I fail to see
how it can pass the How to Tell test and be illegitimate.

I can't comment on that; I'm not there. And yes, it may very well be
legit and there may be another issue at play.

You mean i have to have the HDD i'm trying to install it on completely
free of anything?

No. But you might be doing something incorrectly.

Is Windows really that picky? I'll try it out and
see if Windows really is that picky. This will take some time.

Also try another keyboard (it can't hurt). Some people have reported
that the shift key needs to be used instead of the Caps Lock key.

Other ideas from http://support.microsoft.com:80/kb/310637 (the link you
posted):

- your system date might be incorrect

- the installation CD might be faulty

- the hard drive might be damaged

Are you 100% positive that the key you received is part of the original
packaging? If there has been an after-the-fact mismatch, that would
cause your problem.

Clean Install instructions:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Dual boot with Linux:

http://www.geocities.com/epark/linux/grub-w2k-HOWTO.html

 

[Johnw]

inlined used his keyboard to write :

There's both an 8 and a B on the product key and they both look
different to me, so if i can be more than 100% certain, i would be.

Put your numbers into google, include the -

Also look here.
xp product key

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=xp+product+key&btnG=Search&meta=