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Product ID not accepted

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ednachman

Programmer
Joined
Jul 2, 2003
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I am doing a fresh re-install of XP Pro. When I am prompted to enter the Product ID, I enter the numbers and I get the following message, "The Product ID you entered is not valid." This is not a pirated copy. I can't understand why the OS doesn't accept the ID.
 
You may not like this answer, but do not shoot the messenger.

If you purchase a Bios-locked OEM computer (one from Dell or HP or COMPAQ or similar) they use a generic image to install your machine, and use the BIOS lock feature availabe to OEMs to not require authentication from Microsoft.

They did not use the CD Key attactched to your case.

Now you are reinstalling and using your perfectly valid CD Key attatched to your case. You need to just use the phone option and call Microsoft.

Is there an alternative workaround?
No.
 
Without my knowledge someone had inserted a different disk other than my own CD. Everything is going sort of smoothly except some problem in copying files. I am going to try to finish the installation and then repair to see if the OS will pick up the necessary files. I'm seriously thinking of dusting off my Amiga.(Not really.)
 
Maybe you have the correct CD but are sitting at the wrong Computer.

310064 - HOW TO: Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation When You Upgrade from Windows 98 or Windows Me


See - "You Receive a File Copy Error During Setup
 
I live in terror of the number of less then authentic XP installs that will surface with an attempt to install Service Pack 2. And in equal terror of perfectly legitimate licenses with the same problem.

. if you used any tricks to circumvent the authentication process for Service Pack 1, forget about it. You (until the hacker community gets up to snuff), will not be able to install Service Pack 2. The bar has been raised, and Microsoft offers no apologies.

. There will be a ton of installations where the original was BIOS-lock activated (you buy a Dell, for example, and XP is installed and does not require activation) and you will be asked to authorization in order to download and install Service Pack 2. Answer: Call Microsoft. Read the COLA number on the underside, left, right or rear of the case. There will not be an issue with authenticating your computer.

. You have a legit copy of XP, all updates, and Service Pack 2 install objects as to your license. Do not get mad: just call Microsoft. They will authenticate you, and explain how to obtain and install Service Pack 2.

In a later and new thread I will give you my best thoughts as to how to deploy this service pack on a workstation. (Hint: slipstream, and do a repair upgrade/reinstall, but this might change).





 
I have a legitimate XP Pro CD and I'm not quite convinced that I want SP2. I will disable "automatic updates" for at least three to four months to make sure the bugs are out. I am now finding out that the real reason about my problem is a bad cable. Thanks to everyone for the advice.
 
ednachman,

A fresh install of Win9x was often a very good idea. XP is a different animal. You should reinstall only in very exceptional circumstances.
 
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