RE: Problem with product key when reinstalling XP

Tech-Archive recommends: Speed Up your PC by fixing your registry

Chris,
Are you doing a windows repair or a re-install? If you are trying to
install another copy of XP over an original you will run in to problems. You
should reformat. Another basic check is to make sure you are typing the key
in correctly.

"Chris" wrote:

> I've just been trying to reinstall an OEM version of XP to correct some bugs
> in my PC. When I get to the point of entering the product key it says it is
> not valid. I'm pretty confident the software is genuine - holograms etc are
> all as they should be, etc - but the original installation of XP on the PC
> seems to be different to the product key I'm using. I'm wondering if an OEM
> version will not install without a hard drive re-format if there is an
> existing version of XP already installed. Or is this just a problem with
> the validity of my product key? If the latter, what can I do about it?
>
>
>
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: No OS disk with purch refurb laptop
    ... to install with, and then register/validate with this product key. ... supply the product key of my own license during ... then you will need an OEM Windows distribution to install from. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: (Re-)Installing WinXP on an OEM System - Re: A Techcie Question
    ... there are various different Product Keys in use for WinXP. ... > sure to use the right Product Key, that matches the type of WinXP... ... OEM & Student Versions. ... > Has he not got an actual WinXP Install CD supplied with the Machine? ...
    (uk.people.silversurfers)
  • Re: Product Key cannot be validated!!!!
    ... Yes, a retail disk can be used to install an OEM installation, but it ... have been previously activated unless you install as you are attempting. ... You cannot use an OEM product key if your Vista DVD is a retail version. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup)
  • Re: upgrading hardware and activating windows xp
    ... It would have had to have been, for an OEM Product Key to work. ... 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. ... If you don't want to use the OS that came with the laptop, then you'd need to purchase another license. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Windows XP Repair Installation
    ... you installed the SP successfully the first time - reinstallation should be ... I currently have SP 2 installed, and the original install CD I ... it won't take either the product key on the label on the ... PC or the OEM key used originally. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)