Product Key?

[cm]

I have a legal unused XP Pro product key marked IBM.

I have a downloaded version of Windows XP Pro, when I install Windows onto
Laptop and reach the screen to enter the key, Windows states Key is Invalid,
the key is not invalid its legal and unused. How do I get Windows to accept
this key, obviously the Sytem will not install until a Valid key is entered.

My laptop is new came with the "hopeless" Vista OS installed, want to revert
to XP

 

[Mario Schmidt]

I have a legal unused XP Pro product key marked IBM.

I have a downloaded version of Windows XP Pro, when I install Windows
onto Laptop and reach the screen to enter the key, Windows states Key is
Invalid, the key is not invalid its legal and unused. How do I get
Windows to accept this key, obviously the Sytem will not install until a
Valid key is entered.

My laptop is new came with the "hopeless" Vista OS installed, want to
revert to XP

Your key is NOT valid for another machine. It's only valid for the
machine the key came with.

You can't "transfer" OEM licences. Yes, Microsoft sucks in this manner.

 

[Tim]

Your key is NOT valid for another machine. It's only valid for the
machine the key came with.

You can't "transfer" OEM licences. Yes, Microsoft sucks in this manner.

Hmmmm...I didn't realize you could download Windows XP. Unless this is
from your MSDN or TechNet subscription, of course.

TIm

 

[Mario Schmidt]

Hmmmm...I didn't realize you could download Windows XP. Unless this is
from your MSDN or TechNet subscription, of course.

I don't get an idea of what you mean.

 

[Tim]

I don't get an idea of what you mean.

The OP said he has "...a downloaded version of Windows XP Pro...". The
only way I know of to legitimately download Windows XP is via a TechNet
or MSDN subscription.

Tim

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Your IBM OEM Windows XP product key is only valid when
used on an IBM computer that has IBM's version of Windows XP
installed with the proper IBM Windows XP reinstallation CD.
Otherwise, the product key is of no use to you as it cannot be
used to install Windows XP on a different computer. It is most
assuredly not valid with a "downloaded version of Windows XP Pro".

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

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:

I have a legal unused XP Pro product key marked IBM.

I have a downloaded version of Windows XP Pro, when I install Windows onto
Laptop and reach the screen to enter the key, Windows states Key is Invalid,
the key is not invalid its legal and unused. How do I get Windows to accept
this key, obviously the Sytem will not install until a Valid key is entered.

My laptop is new came with the "hopeless" Vista OS installed, want to revert
to XP