Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (
More info?)
"Bruce Chambers" wrote:
> M.L. wrote:
> > Help!
> >
> > I recently signed up for my department's MSDN-AA program, and I got a
> > product key for Windows XP Pro. I'm installing a copy of XP Pro onto another
> > computer that I have, but for some reason, it says the product key is
> > invalid! I triple checked the key and it's correct.
> >
> > Any suggestions? Thanks!
>
>
> 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 --
> this isn't supposed to make a difference, but I've seen it do so, on
> rare occasions.
>
> Troubleshooting Invalid CD Key Error Message During Windows XP Setup
>
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310637
>
> Are you using an MSDN installation CD to go with that MSDN Product Key?
> Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of CD/license
> (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are purchased.
> For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't work for any retail
> version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa.
> An upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and
> vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail
> product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD.
> Bottom line: Product Keys and license/CD types cannot be mixed & matched.
>
>
>
> --
>
> 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
>
Thanks for the replies, everyone. I believe this may be the problem. I
borrowed my friend's XP cd to do the installation, but not the MSDN-AA cd
that I could have obtained through the department. I didn't realize there is
a "binding" to the kind of product key you can use!
Many thanks, everyone.
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