Legit XP key is invalid?

Robert1986 · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:12

I am trying to get my old pc up and running again. I have the original XP PRO install cd and the product key. I get to the product key page during the installation but when I enter my legit key, it says its invalid.

What do I do now? How can I get a new one?

The PC is about 8 years old btw.

Kennysevenfold · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:21

Hmmm i would give microsoft a call and explain to them the situation, they wil talk you through the solution mate

Robert1986 · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:29

Whats their number?

Burnsy2023 · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:32

So it's not accepting your key when you enter it during installation?

Are you sure you're typing it right?

Kennysevenfold · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:34

Clicky

Robert1986 · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:34

The key is correct. I even double checked the unattend.txt on the disc. I have entered it correctly but it still comes up invalid.

Its a legit copy of windows xp pro btw.

Kennysevenfold · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:44

CALL THEM THENNNN .!!!!

Robert1986 · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:54

They're closed right now. :/

Kennysevenfold · 6 Jun 2009 at 21:57

Robert1986 said:
They're closed right now. :/

you know what i mean.

miniyazz · 6 Jun 2009 at 22:04

Last I phoned them with activating something, it was about 2 in the morning and I got through to someone.. think I started off with the automated software and it didn't like me so put me through to someone in Ireland.

ns400r · 6 Jun 2009 at 22:40

Sounds like the key doesn't match the CD your using to install XP

Minty-Linty · 7 Jun 2009 at 00:03

is it the correct windows version

Blackbadger · 7 Jun 2009 at 00:10

Are you using the exact disc that came with the license ?

OEM licenses often do not work with retail windows installation discs and vice versa.. it's a pain and although the software is almost identical... it isn't.

Ziggy · 7 Jun 2009 at 00:11

Are you sure it's for XP Pro and not Home or x64?

Was it an OEM key that came with a machine?

Have you slipstreamed any service packs into the XP disc since you got it?

jhmaeng · 7 Jun 2009 at 00:19

You also can't use a volume licence key on a retail CD, and vice versa, as far as my experience goes.

Burnsy2023 · 7 Jun 2009 at 00:46

It's nothing to do with activation and MS support won't be much help. You need to make sure you have the correct CD like has been said and the right serial as on the COA.

Robert1986 · 7 Jun 2009 at 01:33

I checked the product key by loading up the xp pro disc on my other pc and going into the unattend.txt file. I am using the exact key that is needed for the disc.

Really not sure what to do now if microsoft wont be much help with this problem.

Burnsy2023 · 7 Jun 2009 at 01:35

Robert1986 said:
I checked the product key by loading up the xp pro disc on my other pc and going into the unattend.txt file.

I think there's your problem. The XP disc doesn't have valid products keys in plain text other than special OEM preactivation keys which you can't use. You should be using the key on the COA with the same XP disc that originally came with your PC.

Robert1986 · 7 Jun 2009 at 01:44

Oh. I don't think I know where that is. What can I do if I can't find it? This xp disc is about 7 odd years old. I never thought I'd need it again.

I am trying to set up an old pc for my parents.

Ben643 · 7 Jun 2009 at 02:01

Robert1986 said:
Oh. I don't think I know where that is. What can I do if I can't find it? This xp disc is about 7 odd years old. I never thought I'd need it again.

I am trying to set up an old pc for my parents.

I assume there's no sticker on your PC with the key then?

I seem to remember someone telling me that it's part of the OEM license agreement to have one of them stickers with the key on the machine. Not sure if that's true though?