Cd code

[Pcw 0789]

Tryed reinstalling windows xp with the cd code on the
back of the machine (advent). It will not accept this
code it is the copy I was given with the machine and has
been activated what can I do?

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You need to examine the Product Key very carefully. It's awfully
easy to mistake a "B" for an "8," a "G" for a "6," an "S" for a "5,"
or a "Q" for a "0" or "O." Fortunately, Microsoft had the good sense
to leave the "1's," "I's," "O's," and "0's" out of the equation.
Also, be sure that your <CapsLock> is _off_ while entering the
Product Key.

Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310637

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your system still runs, you should be able to use AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php or ViewKeyXP from
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm to find the Product Key.
(If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key;
therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be --
used for a re-installation.)

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold you the
OS; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of the
Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy a
new license.


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


"Pcw 0789" > wrote in message
...
> Tryed reinstalling windows xp with the cd code on the
> back of the machine (advent). It will not accept this
> code it is the copy I was given with the machine and has
> been activated what can I do?

Bruce Chambers wrote:

> Also, be sure that your <CapsLock> is _off_ while entering the
> Product Key.
>

Having the "Caps Lock" on has no effect on whether the code is entered
correctly or not.

[Sharon F]

On Sat, 26 Jul 2003 17:17:58 GMT, " " wrote:

>
>
>Bruce Chambers wrote:
>
>> Also, be sure that your <CapsLock> is _off_ while entering the
>> Product Key.
>>
>
>Having the "Caps Lock" on has no effect on whether the code is entered
>correctly or not.

While I haven't seen this occur when installing the final release of XP,
I do remember it happening with the original Win95 installation and an
occasional software package. The character code for numbers can vary
with the method of input used. If the install routine is not watching
for all possible codes, the key will fail. A recommendation to turn the
cap locks off causes no harm and there's a chance that it might help.

Of course, as you point out, you still have to enter the code correctly
for it to work ;)

Sharon F
MS MVP
[Windows XP - Shell/User]