Juancho said:
I recently bought an used computer with the XP Home Edition COA sticker
affixed
to the PC chassis. I tried to re-install windows and when I typed the key
in, it said that it was an invalid Key. I also went to Microsoft.com to ask
for help, and when I provided the product ID, I gad this message: (The
product ID number you entered is not valid or is not in the correct format.
Please enter a valid product ID number and try again. Make sure the product
ID number is of the form: 12345-XXX-7654321-98765). Why am I having this
problem even though I have a legic product ID number?
The Product *Key* is required to demonstrate the possession of a
valid license during the installation, and is either stored on the CD
packaging on a bright orange sticker that says "Do not lose this
number," or is on a label affixed to an OEM computer.
The Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer
icon. It's primary use, with a retail license, is in registering for
and facilitating support from Microsoft (for whatever that's worth). For
an OEM license, such as you have, the Product ID's purpose would be to
tell Microsoft that you're not entitled to any free support, but must
instead contact the computer manufacturer or vendor who sold you the OEM
license.
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
Also, you need to use either the original CD that also came with that
computer, along with its Product Key, or a generic OEM WinXP Home CD.
Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD and/or
license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any
retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice
versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD,
and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom
line: Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.
--
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
