Invalid Product Key

[Steve Cohen]

I was trying to update a Dell computer that came with Windows XP pro. After
downloading SP1 I got a message that the product Key in invalid. The Key
is: 55274-640-0000356-23874. The system has a certificate on the side so
this doesn't seem to be pirated software. I think the should have OEM in
it.
Dell is no help. Can anyone tell me if this key can be corrected without
reinstalling XP?

Steve Cohen

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The Product Key you posted is not a valid one!

Run the Windows XP Product Key Validation Assistant
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update to SP1:

Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&Product=winxp

You'll have to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and perform a "Repair Install" using the new Windows XP Pro CD and Product Key
that comes with it. (You cannot simply change the Product Key)

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Reporting Piracy
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/Reporting.mspx


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I was trying to update a Dell computer that came with Windows XP pro. After
| downloading SP1 I got a message that the product Key in invalid. The Key
| is: 55274-640-0000356-23874. The system has a certificate on the side so
| this doesn't seem to be pirated software. I think the should have OEM in
| it.
| Dell is no help. Can anyone tell me if this key can be corrected without
| reinstalling XP?
|
| Steve Cohen

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Steve;
See if this applies:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I was trying to update a Dell computer that came with Windows XP pro.
After downloading SP1 I got a message that the product Key in
invalid. The Key is: 55274-640-0000356-23874. The system has a
certificate on the side so this doesn't seem to be pirated software.
I think the should have OEM in it.
Dell is no help. Can anyone tell me if this key can be corrected
without reinstalling XP?

First - I don't know what that key is - but it is not for Windows XP.

If the Dell came with Windows XP and this is what the sticker for Windows XP
says - you better call Dell and complain - matter of fact - being an OEM
copy of Windows XP - that is your only choice.


You should never post your keys - whether or not you think they are valid -
on a public newsgroups like this. It's like the email address you used (and
looks like you did not munge at all) - it can be abused very easily.
Remember that the email you start receiving (SPAM) at this mailbox is not
from Microsoft and they do not email you patches - ever. Never open
attachments that you were not expecting, and scan those you were expecting
before opening.