product key

[Hilda]

I was trying to install windows service pack 2 but
installation does not finish because I get this
message "The product key used to install microsoft windows
may not be valid" can anyone help me? What is a product
key?

Thank you,
Hilda

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

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

 

[Pete Pratt]

The product key is like a serial number that's specific to the copy of
Windows installed on your computer, and that you have to enter whenever you
try to do anything with your Windows installation CD or DVD except browse
it.

You should have received a product key with the Windows installation CD
(normally it's printed on the CD/DVD container) you got with your computer.
That message means Microsoft speaking through Windows thinks you may be
using a pirated copy of Windows. I suggest you ignore the message and
finish your SP2 installation if you can. If you can't you'll have to
contact Microsoft and somehow convince the microserf who takes your call
that your copy of Windows is legit. It is, isn't it?

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

I was trying to install windows service pack 2 but
installation does not finish because I get this
message "The product key used to install microsoft windows
may not be valid" can anyone help me? What is a product
key?

Hilda,

If you receive this message you cannot finish the installation.
see
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;883254

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I was trying to install windows service pack 2 but
installation does not finish because I get this
message "The product key used to install microsoft windows
may not be valid" can anyone help me? What is a product
key?

Thank you,
Hilda

The Product Key is a 25-character alphanumeric code that must be
entered during the installation of the operating system to prove that a
valid license exists to use the software.

If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack 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

Also, if a valid WinXP license was supposed to be included in the
transaction, don't forget to report whomever sold you the computer to
your local law enforcement agencies; you've been defrauded.

--

Bruce Chambers

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