Invalid product key when reinstalling - key from pc case

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Guest

Following a hard drive replacement I am trying to do a new installation of
XP. The CD I am using is a borrowed XP Home Edition (don't think I had one
with this pc) but I am using the product key from the sticker on the pc case.
Early on setup asks for the product key and then declares it invalid. Any
ideas? Thanks for looking.
 
Because the one on your PC case does not belong to the BORROWED Cd that you used to install.

You cannot do that. Your computer is most probably an OEM and the previous install was tied to your computer.

What you need to do is give back that borrowed CD and purchase a OEM XP CD and install that one. You will get a key with the purchase of your OEM CD which you can use to install your XP OS..
 
You have to use the same "type" of cd (retail or OEM) as well as the
same version (Home, Professional). Your licence is for an OEM and it
may be tied to a specific vendor. If you used a retail Home version the
license will not match and you won't be able to install. Try and borrow
the same type and version. If your computer came with Windows already
installed call the ones who sold you the computer and ask for a
replacement cd or a reinstallation kit.

John
 
In
Postie said:
Following a hard drive replacement I am trying to do a new
installation of
XP. The CD I am using is a borrowed XP Home Edition (don't
think I had one
with this pc) but I am using the product key from the sticker
on the pc case.
Early on setup asks for the product key and then declares it
invalid. Any
ideas? Thanks for looking.
Click to expand...

The product key on the sticker has to be used with an OEM XP
installation CD. If the CD you borrowed is a retail
installation CD, it will not work. The CD key will only work
with the appropriate type and version XP installation CD.

You might want to check with your computer's manufacturer to
see if you can obtain a low cost copy of the correct
installation CD for your system. Here are the web sites in case
your system is a Dell, HP, or Compaq.

HP and Compaq Desktop PCs - Obtaining a Recovery CD or DVD set
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&docname=bph07143

Request Dell Backup Disks
https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form

Good luck

Nepatsfan
 
Thank you for your prompt replies. Yes, I have mixed up an OEM key and a
retail CD. I will get hold of an OEM CD.
Thanks,
Postie.
 
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