Key Code

[Sarah]

I bought this computer at a computer show. The vendor had
already installed Windows XP Professional. I have
misplaced his # and there is no listing for the business
& now when I try to use Windows Update it says I have the
wrong key code. What can I do to correct that?

[Nicholas]

Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=3Dkb;en-us;326904

You'll need to purchase a "full retail version" of Windows XP
Professional and use the new Windows XP CD and Product Key to
perform a "repair install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]


--=20
Nicholas

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sarah" > wrote in message:
...

| I bought this computer at a computer show. The vendor had=20
| already installed Windows XP Professional. I have=20
| misplaced his # and there is no listing for the business=20
| & now when I try to use Windows Update it says I have the=20
| wrong key code. What can I do to correct that?

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Are you trying to install Service Pack 1 and getting the
following:

The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and use a legitimate full copy of WinXP Pro
to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation, using the
new CD and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

Remember, you should also report whomever sold you the pirated
software to your local law enforcement agency.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Sarah" > wrote in message
...
> I bought this computer at a computer show. The vendor had
> already installed Windows XP Professional. I have
> misplaced his # and there is no listing for the business
> & now when I try to use Windows Update it says I have the
> wrong key code. What can I do to correct that?