Product Key not working

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Guest

I want to reinstall windows XP Home because of error messages I am getting when I start up and shut down the laptop. I also think I have a virus or something because my home page keeps getting changed. So I thought a reinstall would cure what ails me. When I use the Dell provided reinstallation CD, I get prompted for a Product Key, which I enter, but I get an error message saying the the code is invalid. I called Dell and they were not able to even suggest any help other than to call Microsoft.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks!
 
Return to Dell support. Microsoft cannot offer support
for Dell-issued Product Keys.

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

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


|I want to reinstall windows XP Home because of error messages I am getting when I start up and shut down the
laptop. I also think I have a virus or something because my home page keeps getting changed. So I thought a
reinstall would cure what ails me. When I use the Dell provided reinstallation CD, I get prompted for a
Product Key, which I enter, but I get an error message saying the the code is invalid. I called Dell and they
were not able to even suggest any help other than to call Microsoft.
| Any thoughts on this?
| Thanks!
 
cranktj said:
I want to reinstall windows XP Home because of error messages I am getting
Click to expand...
when I start up and shut down the laptop. I also think I have a virus or
something because my home page keeps getting changed. So I thought a
reinstall would cure what ails me. When I use the Dell provided
reinstallation CD, I get prompted for a Product Key, which I enter, but I
get an error message saying the the code is invalid. I called Dell and they
were not able to even suggest any help other than to call Microsoft.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hit the Dell support site or consult your manual and make sure you're
following the proper procedure for reinstalling Windows XP. When done
properly on a Dell using the XP CD That comes with the computer you will not
be asked for the key nor will it require activation. Dell forums and the
Newsgroup alt.sys.pc-clone.dell are both good resources for help with your
Dell computer.

http://support.dell.com
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums

--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details. :)

Remove shoes to E-mail.
 
The Dell tech was mistaken when you were referred to Microsoft.
Your version of Windows is OEM.
That means it is a Dell product and as part of that Dell has agreed
that no support comes from Microsoft.
Whatever support Dell provides is spelled out in your warranty with
Dell.

You already stated you are using the Dell CD.
Did that CD come with that Dell computer?
Have you made any changes to the computer?
Normally on a Dell you do not need to enter the Product Key when
installing Windows?
Is the motherboard original?
Any other changes?

Are you using the correct Product Key?
The key should be on a sticker affixed to the computer.

Look very closely.
Sometimes 0-O, I-1, G-6, S-5 and others look alike.
Have someone else try, sometimes another set of eyes and fingers can
get it.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


cranktj said:
I want to reinstall windows XP Home because of error messages I am
Click to expand...
getting when I start up and shut down the laptop. I also think I have
a virus or something because my home page keeps getting changed. So I
thought a reinstall would cure what ails me. When I use the Dell
provided reinstallation CD, I get prompted for a Product Key, which I
enter, but I get an error message saying the the code is invalid. I
called Dell and they were not able to even suggest any help other than
to call Microsoft.
 
Hi,

Try this:

Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310637

However, you may be doing more work than is necessary. Reinstalling, even
were you to format, does not necessarily remove a virus. Nor can it always
remove installed spy and adware programs. Update your antivirus product and
run a full system scan. Then do the following:

1) Install and run Adaware from www.lavasoft.de

2) Install and run Spybot from www.safer-networking.org

3) Install and run Spyware Blaster from
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

4) Turn on the native firewall or install a third-party one. A third party
firewall will notify you of outgoing traffic as spyware programs "phone
home", the native one won't. This is useful in detecting a trojan on the
system as well as identifying ad programs.

http://www.kerio.com/kpf_home.html
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
http://www.tinysoftware.com/home/tiny2?la=EN

5) Also check these links for helpful advice on removing garbage:
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm
http://aumha.org/win5/a/parasite.htm
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm

--
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



cranktj said:
I want to reinstall windows XP Home because of error messages I am getting
Click to expand...
when I start up and shut down the laptop. I also think I have a virus or
something because my home page keeps getting changed. So I thought a
reinstall would cure what ails me. When I use the Dell provided
reinstallation CD, I get prompted for a Product Key, which I enter, but I
get an error message saying the the code is invalid. I called Dell and they
were not able to even suggest any help other than to call Microsoft.
 
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