windows xp update install problems..

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain (More info?)

It appears you have a pirated, illegal version of Windows XP Professional
installed on that computer.

Run the Windows XP Product Key Validation Assistant:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources [...] fault.mspx

You receive a "The product key used to install Windows is invalid" error message:
http://support.microsoft.com/defau [...] duct=winxp

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

"The product key used to install Windows is invalid"

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

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/se [...] fault.aspx

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"mike" wrote:

| i recently purchased a computer for my kids at a garage
| sale that came with windows xp professional already
| loaded. i have been able to install all of the automatic
| updates except the service packs. i get an error message
| that says something to the effect that my product key is
| invalid and it cannot install the service packs. what do
| i do know. do i have to purchase a new product key to be
| able to update my software? the letters OEM do not appear
| on my "registerd to" page. i'm not sure where the
| software came from originally. hopefully i don't have to
| purchase the full program...any help would be
| appreaciated...thanks....mike