Microsoft can't verify that my Windows XP OS is 'Genuine'

For certain Microsoft downloads (applications) they want to verify that you have a valid copy of Windows XP.  The first time I accessed one of the programs and it went through the validation procedure it asked me to input my XP Key (tag that is on the PC).  It validated it off the key I input.  Maybe you entered a wrong number or letter? e.g. a zero for the letter O or vice versa or a number 1 for the letter L or vice versa. 

Back up and tell us what you were trying to do. Are you trying to sccess Windows update? Is this the original OS for your system? What system?

I bought a Dell Dimension 8400 PC approx three weeks ago.  I caame pre-loaded with Windows XP Media Center 2005 edition.

I went to Microsoft website to download one of their free software packages (Photo Story 3) that requires Windows XP operating system.  It asked for the Product Key, and when I entered it it sent back a message that it could not complete the verification that the OS was 'Genuine' because it wasn't able to gather enough information.

I tried several times to complete this process (and spent a few hours between Dell chat, phone calls and discussions with at least three different Dell service reps, who all attempted to provide a solution via phone and/or Remote Access & Control of my PC).  We weren't successful.

I have tried to read the Product Key four different times, and keep coming up with the same digits.

What am I missing?  Is it possible that the Product Key isn't valid?  If so, what do I do?  If not, what do I do?

thanks for your help

KGibbons

This is exactly what I am trying to do.

The Product Key is printed in very small type, but I tried reading it a few different times to see if that was it, but each time I wrote down the 25 digits I came up with the same Product Key. 

What options do I have?  Dell service reps say Microsoft supplied the Product Key & they are responsible.  Microsoft website says go to reseller who supplied the pre-installed operating system.

Both suppliers offered fee-based support but ( with a three week old system & a one-year service & support contract) I expect both of them to address this problem and provide me with a solution.

The PC works fine otherwise.

 

regards,

KGibbons

Well, to download most of those applications, you don't necessarily need to validate your OS. I never do that, and I can download those applications without any problems.

One thing, I have an OEM version but it has been "activated" with Microsoft.  Generally Dell OEM versions of XP do not have to be Activated.  But, since I did activate mine maybe that is the difference.

I have an older PC with a retail copy of XP, which was Activated, and it too had to go through the verification process to download the free MS software.

You said  it told you it  "couldn't gather enough information"  perhaps its a firewall issue?  Usually, it will give you the specific message "invalid product key" if you accidentally type the wrong one.

Most of this stuff has a button to authenticate later and lets you download the product anyway.

I disabled the firewall and tried to validate the OS again.

This time I choise to validate by an alternate option.

I clicked on this and it asked me three questions, then confirmed that the OS is genuine, and proceeded to enable me to download the Photo Story 3 software successfully!

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

KGibbons

Here is the reason --

Microsoft has decided to require verification of valid copies of WindowsXP in order to download updates (other than security patches). They are starting this program by requiring validation to download some free programs.

Dell computers are factory installed with WindowsXP and allow reinstallation of WindowsXP without using the license number (on the sticker) in most circumstances. On systems with the license number entered, such as retail XP copies or Dell copies installed by other than booting off of the CD, Microsoft can immediately verify the license as genuine. So with new Dell systems (or those with the OS reinstalled from the CD) one needs to enter the license number for Microsoft verification.

As was pointed out, you can say you "lost" or cannot read the number, identify the system as a Dell, and a number is created for you! It is automatically installed in your system so you will not have to verify again. This is particularly convenient to verify notebooks since you can't type and read the sticker at the same time.