I am trying to reinstall Windows XP using the original CDs. But unable to due to the updating of service packs, and windows stating the Product Key is invalid. I use to use the CDs with no problem before the service packs updates. Any suggestions of how I can reformat/reinstall software to my hard drive?
2006-07-31 05:57:55 · 13 answers · asked by Kwiet Knight 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
If you really have a valid key you can call Microsoft and they'll help you. The'yre pretty easy going about it so don't be afraid to call if you have a legit copy.
2006-07-31 06:00:32 · answer #1 · answered by Randy Marsh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
If you are reinstalling the Original Windows then nothing to be worried about. You have Support number on the CD its of either Microsoft or the Company who have sold you this CD or came with the Computer. Call them and explain them. Now another way in-case you are using a Pirated version then why do u want to reinstall windows again??? If you think some files are missing in the Windows then i can tell you some commands and you can replace those files without reinstalling the windows. I will not be able to answer again on yahoo as it does not allow me to answer again. Post the Question in the Forums of my website called HardwareGuroo.com's forums and i will keep on replying you.
Good Luck
2006-07-31 06:03:31 · answer #2 · answered by HardwareGuroo.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually when you re-install Windows and it says that the key is invalid, you either do not have the same key you did when you last used it or you simply typed it in wrong.
If you put the CD in the drive, reboot the computer, and have the computer boot from the CD (you may have to edit your BIOS to allow this), then you can fully re-install Windows. This, though, will likely cause all of your software and files to be deleted. Perform a backup first.
2006-07-31 06:00:47 · answer #3 · answered by svancouw 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it says product key invalid then the key number dont match the cd key number and if you format the hard drive and try to reinstall windows it wont reinstall because when it gets to the part that it ask for the key number, the number you give wont match with the cd you use.....there is no limit on the number of times that you can reinstall windows xp i should know i have reinstalled windows on my computer dozens of times.
2006-07-31 06:12:51 · answer #4 · answered by mack j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are trying to reinstall XP and those are your original CD's and product key, can them and tell them that you are in the process of reinstalling XP. They should help you out with reactivating you newly installed OS. To reinstall XP, go into BIOS (the black screen from which the PC boots up). Change your bootup options to boot up from the CD-ROM drive first. Insert the CD, restart PC with the XP Install CD inside.
2006-07-31 06:20:56 · answer #5 · answered by C93 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that there's a limit to how many times you can install Windows XP; though I'm not very sure. I think it's twice. So, like you said, the number is now invalid.
I know it sucks.
But then MS sucks, big time!
I'd advise you to go Linux instead. More robust, bug free and even free of cost, open source!
Try out Ubuntu Linux which you can download the iso image of and burn directly onto your own newly created installation disc from the link given below.
It comes with the OpenOffice free of cost, so you don't need to get the costly MS Office.
Avast gives you a free of cost Anti-Virus for Linux that you can download and install from the link below.
Hope this helps you solve your problem legally.
Do call the guys at MS Customer Care and yell at them first and see if you can get them to give you the legal extension first, then, if that fails, take this course.
The free of cost versions of Linux and Avast are only for home users, though.
Cheers.
2006-07-31 06:08:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would contact Microsoft for assistance (wow! I can't believe I am recommending that someone contact Microsoft). There may be a number of reasons why you are having problems with the product key. If it is a legitimate product key, MS will be able to help you. I would pack a lunch (and include plenty of caffeinated drinks!) because you may be in for a long haul to get help from MS. May God bless and keep you.
2006-07-31 06:03:04 · answer #7 · answered by blowry007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The service packs have nothing to do with installing Windows. If it says your product key is invalid, it is probably a pirated key.
2006-07-31 06:00:08 · answer #8 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do a clean install which means everything on your hard drive will be gone. If you don't car then proceed, if you do care then make sure you back up everything first that you want to save. To do a clean install, delete the partition that Windows finds when you boot from the XP CD and create another. Then install to that partition.
2006-07-31 06:01:48 · answer #9 · answered by EG345 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The key only works twice and then invalidates itself. You will need to get a new key from microsoft.
2006-07-31 06:00:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋