what is a product key?

[kash]

every time i try to download the windows xp service pack
it won't install because the system cannot find my
product key? can somebody please explain what this means
and if possible help me so that it will install! thanks

 

[Taurarian]

Service Pack 1 is able to detect pirated copies of Win XP.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904
Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid

 

[Joe727]

Here is a Microsoft Knowledge Base Article:

Understanding product keys

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...home/using/productdoc/en/WPA_product_keys.asp

Joe

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

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

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.

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

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

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

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

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


| every time i try to download the windows xp service pack
| it won't install because the system cannot find my
| product key? can somebody please explain what this means
| and if possible help me so that it will install! thanks

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Are you trying to install Service Pack 1a 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

Remember, you should also report whomever sold you the pirated
software to the pertinent law enforcement agencies; you've been
defrauded.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[tennislvr]

-----Original Message-----
every time i try to download the windows xp service pack
it won't install because the system cannot find my
product key? can somebody please explain what this means
and if possible help me so that it will install! thanks
.
the product key is the very long series of #"S

and/orletters (usually 20-25) characters that is on the
jewel case or original packaging that the product came in

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

See this link:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm