License problem

[Guest]

When I went to re-install windows I got a message saying the license was
invalid. Dell Dim. 8250. XP Pro SP2. I'm doing something wrong but can't
figure out what!

 

[C J.]

When I went to re-install windows I got a message saying the license
was invalid. Dell Dim. 8250. XP Pro SP2. I'm doing something wrong
but can't figure out what!

I think this is right... if your Dell system came with WindowsXP Pro
pre-installed, then it shouldn't require the product key on the COA sticker
(on PC) as its image file was pre authenticated before installation of the
OS and its likely a different product key number was used for the image.

Were you trying to re-install Windows from a recovery CD or from the
Harddrive?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

When I went to re-install windows I got a message saying the license was
invalid. Dell Dim. 8250. XP Pro SP2. I'm doing something wrong but can't
figure out what!

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

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell

 

[Guest]

I think this is right... if your Dell system came with WindowsXP Pro
pre-installed, then it shouldn't require the product key on the COA sticker
(on PC) as its image file was pre authenticated before installation of the
OS and its likely a different product key number was used for the image.

Were you trying to re-install Windows from a recovery CD or from the
Harddrive?


Re-install from CD. Yes it was pre-installed so how do I find out if they used a differrent PK?

 

[Guest]

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

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell
I'm a rotten typer but not that bad.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

When I went to re-install windows I got a message saying the
license was invalid. Dell Dim. 8250. XP Pro SP2. I'm doing
something wrong but can't figure out what!

Can you be more specific with the wording of the message and when you get
it?

It would be good to include the entire process (general details) leading up
to the message too...

 

[Rock]

Are you using the product key that's on the sticker on the computer? If so
that will only work with a generic XP Pro OEM CD. So what type of CD are
you using to install?