Invalid CD Key while trying to install Windows.?

Question

Ok, I have a Laptop I purchased new in 2002 it came with Windows 2000 Pro. I still have the disk and the Cd Key that came with the laptop and OS. my hard drive crashed and I attempted to re-install but received invalid cd Key. Called microsoft and they issued me a new CD Key for Win 2000 pro. Tried useing that key and still getting the same error message, Called Microsoft back and they said there is nothing more they can do but transfer me to technical Support and because it is 2000 Pro it will cost me 243$. Has anyone else ran into this problem and what can I do? Again this is MY valid cd and Key and also the new Key from M$ that will not work on installation. Any help will be much appreciated. Thank you

Answer 1

Call 1-800- microsoft and tell them that you reformating after moving the motherboard of your desktop computer into a new case and you threw away the old case that had the sticker on it by mistake and ask them if they can give you a new OEM cd key.

They will ask you one or 2 questions about the original cd (part number, color, etc) and then give you a new key.

I've done it several times with no problems.

Answer 2

SP2 vs SP3 makes no huge difference. the placement you've is that you won't be able to turn on a OEM XP installation with a retail key, or vice versa. It wasn't the save's fault - you probably did not provide them the disc, so how were they to understand you had retail truly than OEM? probable ninety 9% of XP shoppers have the OEM version, so as it really is what they went with. truly than wipe and initiate from scratch, you could do a "fix" installation of XP using your human being CD, which will replace purely the appropriate gadget archives and could no longer overwrite any put in classes or 0.33 get mutually gadget drivers. it really is going to then be attainable to turn on XP using your retail key.

Answer 3

call em again AND GET ANOTHER NEW KEY