Cannot install SP2

[Doug Hamilton]

I'm trying to install WinXP SP2 on Win XP Pro, but the installatiuon always
fails with "Invalid version of windows...".
The PC was bought new in a computer shop. How can I get a valid key into
the system. The PC has worked for several months so the key itself must be
valid, I guess.
What options do I have. If I can't get satisfaction from the PC shop, can I
buy an upgrade and somehow install the key from it, or do I have to
re-install?

Doug

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Doug;
The key may not be valid.
See if this answers the question:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm

If the key is invalid, contact the shop since they are selling stolen
licenses.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Doug Hamilton" > wrote in message
...
> I'm trying to install WinXP SP2 on Win XP Pro, but the installatiuon
> always fails with "Invalid version of windows...".
> The PC was bought new in a computer shop. How can I get a valid key into
> the system. The PC has worked for several months so the key itself must
> be valid, I guess.
> What options do I have. If I can't get satisfaction from the PC shop, can
> I buy an upgrade and somehow install the key from it, or do I have to
> re-install?
>
> Doug

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Is your version of Windows XP genuine?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

Reporting Software Piracy:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ReportingUs.mspx

If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update:

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

You'll have to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and perform a "Repair Install" using the new Windows XP Pro CD and Product Key
that comes with it. (You cannot simply change the Product Key)

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

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

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

"Doug Hamilton" wrote:

| I'm trying to install WinXP SP2 on Win XP Pro, but the installatiuon always
| fails with "Invalid version of windows...".
| The PC was bought new in a computer shop. How can I get a valid key into
| the system. The PC has worked for several months so the key itself must be
| valid, I guess.
| What options do I have. If I can't get satisfaction from the PC shop, can I
| buy an upgrade and somehow install the key from it, or do I have to
| re-install?
|
| Doug