Question and Answers

Why can't I install windows xp? - trueblue I have windows 98 installed on my computer and want to upgrade to windows xp but every time I try to install it I only get as far as the product key which it won't accept and says it is invalid.What am I doing wrong?

Best Answer: You must have the wrong product key for that particular version of XP. Not just any product key works with any windows XP disk. YOu need to have just the right key for that disk. Find someone that has the disk, and a key that came with that disk. Also, do not do updates with Windowsupdate, cuase that will screw you up too. they can tell if you are using someone elses CD. - Gorilla Mike

Make sure your code is legit. Make sure your letters and numbers are correct. Some 0's may look like O's (zeros and O ohs!) Here is MS to see if your code is valid. - Robert Miller 95670

The Product Key has to be exactly the same as on your Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity. If you make one mistake (and since there are a lot of characters and numbers it's real easy) it will not go through. If you have a certificate, and it does match exactly, you should call Microsoft. If you don't have a certificate and "found" the number on say an internet site, it may 1) not match the version you are installing (IE Windows XP Home has a different valid key format than XP Pro OEM) or 2) the number may have been discontinued by Microsoft to fight piracy. Even if you find a working serial number, you have to activate Windows XP (IE verify with Microsoft Over the Internet that you have actually purchased Windows XP) and if you do not do this, XP will just stop working after 30 days. - derkaiser93

oh nthn ur key is rong goto www.serials.ws and search for the key and try all the keys whatever makes it workuse it and rite it down sumwhere - soldieraman

Which product key are you using? The one that came with XP? If so, are you sure that you have a legitimate copy of XP? If you think it's a real copy, call or contact Microsoft Support - they will walk you through the installation if it's a real copy of XP. - PuterPrsn

There's obviously something wrong with the product key. Are you attempting an install using a copy or do you have the original disk? - themainsail

Perphas the Key has been used, try to remove the current window and try again, if the problem persist contact your service provider as they might give you a solution to the problem. - Strawberry

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