XP Pro product key invalid

[Jay]

I have a laptop that originally had W98 installed, and has an XP Pro upgrade
disk and product key. I wanted to do a clean XP install.

Since I already have an XP Pro CD (not an upgrade version) with SP3
slipstreamed, I used this instead of the upgrade CD, but the product key that
came from the upgrade disk was declared invalid during the installation. I
continued installing without entering a product key.

Is there any way to persuade the installation to accept the product key from
the upgrade CD? Eg a registry change?

If not, is there any way for me to make another CD with SP3 slipstreamed
that will accept the key that came with the upgrade CD?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have a laptop that originally had W98 installed, and has an XP Pro upgrade
disk and product key. I wanted to do a clean XP install.

Since I already have an XP Pro CD (not an upgrade version) with SP3
slipstreamed, I used this instead of the upgrade CD, but the product key that
came from the upgrade disk was declared invalid during the installation.

For two reasons: upgrade vs. full, and Home vs. Professional.

I
continued installing without entering a product key.

Is there any way to persuade the installation to accept the product key from
the upgrade CD? Eg a registry change?

No.



If not, is there any way for me to make another CD with SP3 slipstreamed
that will accept the key that came with the upgrade CD?

No.

 

[R. McCarty]

Products keys are validated against a text string found in a file on the
install CD. The keys do not cross validate. An upgrade disk won't
work with a full/Retail key and vice-versa.

Microsoft does provide a tool to change a product key ( post install )
but that won't help in your situation. You'll have to have an upgrade
disk to be able to use your upgrade product key.

 

[Mark Adams]

I have a laptop that originally had W98 installed, and has an XP Pro upgrade
disk and product key. I wanted to do a clean XP install.

Since you already have an XP Pro Upgrade disk and product key; why don't you
slipstream SP3 into the Pro Upgrade disk?

Better yet, why not clean install the XP Pro Upgrade with the product key
you already have and then update to SP3 immediately after the install?

 

[Daave]

I have a laptop that originally had W98 installed, and has an XP Pro
upgrade disk and product key. I wanted to do a clean XP install.

Since I already have an XP Pro CD (not an upgrade version) with SP3
slipstreamed, I used this instead of the upgrade CD, but the product
key that came from the upgrade disk was declared invalid during the
installation. I continued installing without entering a product key.

Is there any way to persuade the installation to accept the product
key from the upgrade CD? Eg a registry change?

If not, is there any way for me to make another CD with SP3
slipstreamed that will accept the key that came with the upgrade CD?

Do you have the Windows 98 installation CD? If so, you may use the
Upgrade CD (and its associated, correct Product Key) to perform a Clean
Install. When you are instructed to show evidence of a qualifying
upgradeable OS, insert the Windows 98 CD.

As Mark suggested, you might want to first create a slipstreamed (with
SP3) installation CD of the Upgrade version of XP Pro.

Either that or change the Product Key in your current setup to the
correct one (the one that came with the Full version of XP Pro). As Ken
explained, there is a difference between the Upgrade and Full versions
of Windows XP (Home or Pro) and the keys may not be mixed and matched.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Do you have the Windows 98 installation CD? If so, you may use the
Upgrade CD (and its associated, correct Product Key) to perform a Clean
Install. When you are instructed to show evidence of a qualifying
upgradeable OS, insert the Windows 98 CD.

You can also do a clean installation if you have an OEM restore CD of
Windows 98, rather than an installation CD. It's more complicated, but
it *can* be done. First restore from the Restore CD. Then run the XP
upgrade CD from within that restored system, and change from Upgrade
to New Install. When it asks where, press Esc to delete the partition
and start over.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a laptop that originally had W98 installed, and has an XP Pro upgrade
disk and product key. I wanted to do a clean XP install.

Since I already have an XP Pro CD (not an upgrade version) with SP3
slipstreamed, I used this instead of the upgrade CD, but the product key that
came from the upgrade disk was declared invalid during the installation. I
continued installing without entering a product key.

Is there any way to persuade the installation to accept the product key from
the upgrade CD? Eg a registry change?

No.


Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, or full) 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 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/license types cannot usually (it's been reported
that the Product Key for a full license will work with an Upgrade CD) be
mixed & matched.

If not, is there any way for me to make another CD with SP3 slipstreamed
that will accept the key that came with the upgrade CD?

Yes, you could use the Upgrade CD you have, and a copy of SP3 to make
an Upgrade disk with SP3. For slip-streaming the service pack and
subsequent updates to WinXP:

How to integrate software updates into your Windows installation source
files
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828930

SlipStreaming WinXP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[EN59CVH]

Is there any way to persuade the installation to accept the product key from
the upgrade CD?

Perhaps yes but I emphasize PERHAPS. From your upgrade CD open the file
SETUPP.INI. This file is normally located on the CD in folder I386.
Now look for the code:

Pid=DDDDD XXX {normally written as DDDDDXXX}

The XXX refers to the unique version that matches with your Key (the
DDDD are also special digits to indcate whether the Cd is from DELL, HP,
Microsoft MSDN etc etc). The full codes are here:

<http://wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Product_IDs#Windows_XP_complete_list_-_English_locale>

Now try to change the code on your full version and then recreate the CD
as you did before so that it boots up normally. If you need any links
for this then please let me know.

I suggest, put the entire file SETUPP.INI on to your FULL version store
before putting everything back on to a CD.

I have played with these codes and they normally work but my experience
is with FULL VERSION only not upgrade version. I don't buy upgrade CDs.

hth

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

No & No.

To do a clean install, you'd have to format & reinstall Win98, then upgrade
to WinXP again.

 

[EN59CVH]

Only a pig would reply in negative form especially someone who hasn't
formatted a HD since Windows 3.0!!!!

 

[EN59CVH]

No & No.

To do a clean install, you'd have to format & reinstall Win98, then upgrade
to WinXP again.

Hey Piggy,

There is no need to install win98 to do an upgrade. You just need to
have a Win98 CD handy and when asked, you insert it in the drive and
when it is verified, you remove it and the installation of XP will
resume normally.

Now you have learned something new from a youngster today!!

Are you still member of the geriatric society?

 

[Daave]

On Tue, 2 Mar 2010 20:39:08 -0500, in


You can also do a clean installation if you have an OEM restore CD of
Windows 98, rather than an installation CD. It's more complicated, but
it *can* be done. First restore from the Restore CD. Then run the XP
upgrade CD from within that restored system, and change from Upgrade
to New Install. When it asks where, press Esc to delete the partition
and start over.

Thanks for pointing that out.

But at this point, we don't know whether or not OP has *any* Windows 98
CDs!

 

[Jay]

Thanks everyone for your replies - that was very helpful.

I would like to have a CD with SP3 incorporated, as well as a few other
tweaks that I made with nlite, so I will make one, since this situation is
likely to happen again with other computers. I'm an un-paid computer fixit
for friends, relatives, etc. I expect I'm not alone here.

EN59CVH: Changing the file that you mentioned looks like it's worth a try,
so that's what I'll do first, starting from my XP Pro OEM nlite'd CD.

Mark: "why not clean install the XP Pro Upgrade with the product key
you already have and then update to SP3 immediately after the install?" I
don't have another product key, only the upgrade key.

Daave: I don't have a W98 disk that was supplied with the laptop (but
there's a legal W98 product key sticker on the laptop). I do have another W98
(OEM, not upgrade) disk. This should be OK when I get prompted.

 

[Mark Adams]

Thanks everyone for your replies - that was very helpful.

I would like to have a CD with SP3 incorporated, as well as a few other
tweaks that I made with nlite, so I will make one, since this situation is
likely to happen again with other computers. I'm an un-paid computer fixit
for friends, relatives, etc. I expect I'm not alone here.

EN59CVH: Changing the file that you mentioned looks like it's worth a try,
so that's what I'll do first, starting from my XP Pro OEM nlite'd CD.

Mark: "why not clean install the XP Pro Upgrade with the product key
you already have and then update to SP3 immediately after the install?" I
don't have another product key, only the upgrade key.

Daave: I don't have a W98 disk that was supplied with the laptop (but
there's a legal W98 product key sticker on the laptop). I do have another W98
(OEM, not upgrade) disk. This should be OK when I get prompted.

You said you have an OEM W98 disk. You said you have an XP Pro Upgrade disk.
You said you have an XP Upgrade key. With these you can slipstream SP3 into
the Upgrade disk and clean install using the Upgrade key. Or you can clean
install the Upgrade disk (SP1, or SP2) and apply SP3 after the install. In
either case, the install routine will ask for proof of a qualifying prior
version of Windows. At this point insert the W98 CD, the install routine will
accept that as proof and the clean install will continue. Enter the Upgrade
key when prompted. That's all there is to it.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thanks for pointing that out.

You're welcome.

But at this point, we don't know whether or not OP has *any* Windows 98
CDs!

Right. I wasn't necessarily suggesting that he should do that, just
pointing out (to him, to you, and to anyone else interested) that it
*is* possible.

 

[Daave]

You're welcome.




Right. I wasn't necessarily suggesting that he should do that, just
pointing out (to him, to you, and to anyone else interested) that it
*is* possible.

I know. And this should help any current lurkers or any people who
search the archives in the future. Good work!

Turns out OP has an OEM Windows 98 Installation CD. Since he has a COA
sticker for Windows 98 on the PC he is upgrading, I'd say he's good to
go.

 

[Russ SBITS.Biz [SBS-MVP]]

Saying "No" is actually the answer.
So, how is that a negative reply?

Did I miss something?
Russ

--
Russell Grover - SBITS.Biz [SBS-MVP]
MCP, MCPS, MCNPS, SBSC
Microsoft Certified Small Business Specialist
SBS2003 SBS2008 Support - www.SBITS.Biz
Question or Second Opinion - www.PersonalITConsultant.com
Free Trial Microsoft Online Services - www.Microsoft-Online-Services.com

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Saying "No" is actually the answer.
So, how is that a negative reply?

Did I miss something?

Thanks for the support, but responding to trolls, or arguing with
them, is not a great thing to do. Far better to simply killfile them.

 

[Pig-MVP]

responding to trolls, or arguing with
them, is not a great thing to do. Far better to simply killfile them.

Yes. We should have a general rule that whenever anybody corrects a
pig, he should be branded a troll. From now onwards this is the rule.
Microsoft Valuable Pigs can continue with their cock-ups; non valuable
pigs who corrects them are all trolls.

Very Good Rule.

 

[Greg Russell]

In

Yes. We should have a general rule that whenever anybody corrects a
pig, he should be branded a troll. From now onwards this is the rule.
Microsoft Valuable Pigs can continue with their cock-ups; non valuable
pigs who corrects them are all trolls.

Very Good Rule.

We're seriously considering killfiling any Usenet poster with "MVP" in their
name, but of course that would include you as well ... fitting the
definition of an "innocent bystander" ?