Invalid Product Key

[Brad]

I'm getting the infamous invalid product key error when
attempting to install SP1 for WinXP Pro. And MS lists my
product ID as one suspected of piracy. XXXXX-640-0000356-
23XXX

I just bought the computer by private sale. However, the
original configuration of the computer included WinXP Pro
from Gateway, so I'm doubtful that the software was
pirated. I am assuming that Gateway is reputable.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Colin Nash [MVP]]

Ultimately, you will need to contact Gateway if it turns out that your key
is pirated. Perhaps the previous user replaced the key with a pirated one,
for whatever reason.

Follow through the steps here:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/windows/default.aspx

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Gateway is reputable, however the person you bought it from, or someone
before them, may have upgraded a preinstalled WinXP Home system to the
pirated "corporate" WinXP Pro system that is commonly available at the warez
sites. If your PK matches the one described in that article, then someone,
somewhere along the line did this, and it wasn't an accident.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

If your Product ID is one of those listed as pirated, then you
most certainly do _not_ have the original, legitimate Gateway OEM
license installed. (An OEM Product ID would display the letters "OEM"
in place of the "640" displayed on your installation.) You can try to
contact whomever sold you the computer and ask for the legitimate CD
and license, but, in essence, you've been ripped off.

Are you trying to install Service Pack 1a 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

Remember, you should also report whomever sold you the pirated
software to the pertinent law enforcement agencies; you've been
defrauded.


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:


You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Alex Nichol]

I'm getting the infamous invalid product key error when
attempting to install SP1 for WinXP Pro. And MS lists my
product ID as one suspected of piracy. XXXXX-640-0000356-
23XXX

I just bought the computer by private sale. However, the
original configuration of the computer included WinXP Pro
from Gateway, so I'm doubtful that the software was
pirated. I am assuming that Gateway is reputable.

A lot of copies have been put out by unscrupulous parties - often
selling to innocent people - which have used one of a couple of pirated
keys, Of which you have one. My guess would be that whoever sold you
the machine sold the wrong key along with it. Or has put one of these
pirated versions on top.

Now if it is a genuine Gateway machine, there should be a certificate of
Authenticity label, including the product key, stuck to the back.
I would try forcing reactivation and go to activate by phone: when it
offers a change of key try putting that one in: if it is accepted, then
cancel without phoning and try activation on the net.

Not guaranteed - but worth the try.
To force the activation, run regedit.exe open to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT
\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents

And in the right pane double click on OOBETimer and very carefully
change just the first byte. Exit regedit and immediately go to
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate Windows to
do the activate by phone

 

[Tedd Riggs]

This is one of two very well know pirated keys. Here is one of the Microsoft
Support pages about it: The two keys are: XXXXX-640-0000356-23XXX or
XXXXX-640-2001765-23XXX

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/volkeys_winxpsp1.asp?SD=GN&LN=EN-US&gssnb=1

These were sold to Dell owners it seems for $100 for a Windows XP Pro
Upgrade; (and are illegal copies for sure)
http://www.computerbits.com/archive/2003/0300/bair0303.html