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December 2nd, 2003 19:00

Can't install XP SP1, msg "invalid key"

Could someone explain why can't I install XP SP1 on my laptop, since the XP key I legal and was purchase with why C600

 

Thanks

Ivan

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18.8K Posts

December 2nd, 2003 20:00

crazyinp,

Are you sure you are not misreading the Product ID? Common problems are with 8 and B, for example. As a rule, you should not be prompted for the Product ID when reinstalling XP on a Dell system.

12 Posts

December 2nd, 2003 20:00

I will try to enter the key again and see what happen

 

I will let u know

 

Thanks

Ivan

12 Posts

December 2nd, 2003 20:00

Hi Denny,

This is the original disk, that comes with my laptop, I know where is the key and it is installed with it.

I know how I can change the key but why the original one doesn't work, it is tottaly legal.

 

 

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18.8K Posts

December 2nd, 2003 20:00

crazyinp,

Are you trying to reinstall the copy of XP on the computer it came with? If so, make sure you have set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device. Restart the system with the XP CD in the drive and follow the procedure here.

The Product ID for laptop systems is on a sticker on the bottom of the case.

Message Edited by Denny Denham on 12-02-2003 02:28 PM

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2K Posts

December 2nd, 2003 21:00


crazyinp wrote: Could someone explain why can't I install XP SP1 on my laptop, since the XP key I legal and was purchase with why C600

Looks like you aren't attempting to reinstall XP on your Latitude C600.
You can also check the Product Key if XP was installed by DELL & you haven't done a reinstall ,
press Windows+R  & type
c:\I386\winnt32.exe

This opens "Welcome to Windows Setup"  window
click "Next" , check "I accept.." , "Next"
then enter Product key , if accepted will show download files window , click "Cancel" then "Finished" , "Yes"
If not accepted will show  "Invalid"  window.

If you have reinstalled or used a Microsoft XP CD  & C:\i386 Folder isn't on HD you can insert XP CD with windows started , select "Install" to open same window.

If OEM DELL installed XP , the use of DELL installed Product Key will  be accepted as well as the COA Product Key.
The OEM DELL installed Product key won't be accepted by a Microsoft XP CD.




Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-03-2003 10:33 AM

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-03-2003 11:29 AM

12 Posts

December 2nd, 2003 21:00

well this must be the problem,

I don;t have original DELL XP CD I have  my which i bought for my other computer, I am trying to reinstall it and it will take the key but if i try to update to SP1 will give me the error,

well I might just use other key.

Do I have other choice

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2K Posts

December 2nd, 2003 22:00

If you want to change the instaled Product Key;

Must reboot Windows for change to take effect & re-Actiavte Windows XP

Or Auto change Product Key via Activation Wizard with FREE program keyChanger.exe in ZIP Folder with View Product Key Program as well.
http://www.the-innercircle.com/filedump/xpsp1.zip (use a valid COA Product key

Or use Microsoft site info to manually change;
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874&Product=winxp

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-03-2003 11:15 AM

12 Posts

December 2nd, 2003 22:00

My bad I didn't explain right,

I got the laptop with XP Pro installed and Office XP Pro,

Now I want to reinstall the Win XP just fresh install but I lost my C600 Win XP CD, I have another CD which I bought for my other PC, but when I attemp to install it and insert the DELL C600 key (which is on the bottom of my laptop) is said that the windows key is invalid.

I can just use my other key and will go thru it fine, but why I can't install with DELL key, should I contact DELL and ask for DELL XP cd.

 

thanks

Ivan

2 Intern

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2K Posts

December 2nd, 2003 22:00

@razyinp wrote:

well this must be the problem,

I don;t have original DELL XP CD I have  my which i bought for my other computer, I am trying to reinstall it and it will take the key but if i try to update to SP1 will give me the error,

well I might just use other key.

Do I have other choice



Sorry I don't understand , as you previuosly said

"This is the original disk, that comes with my laptop, I know where is the key and it is installed with it.

I know how I can change the key but why the original one doesn't work, it is tottaly legal."

 are you installing from Microsoft XP CD & if it accepts the Product Key that came with the CD then you should be able to use Windows Updates to install SP1a update. (if Activated with Microsoft)
However if you have previously installed the Microsoft XP CD on other computer & Activated it with Microsoft then you can't install it on your new computer as it shouldn't Activate with Microsoft.
Can only be Activated re-Activated on original computer the XP OS was installed on.

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-03-2003 11:31 AM

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2K Posts

December 2nd, 2003 23:00


@crazyinp wrote:

My bad I didn't explain right,

I got the laptop with XP Pro installed and Office XP Pro,

Now I want to reinstall the Win XP just fresh install but I lost my C600 Win XP CD, I have another CD which I bought for my other PC, but when I attempt to install it and insert the DELL C600 key (which is on the bottom of my laptop) is said that the windows key is invalid.

I can just use my other key and will go thru it fine, but why I can't install with DELL key, should I contact DELL and ask for DELL XP cd.


As I explained if your "other CD is a Microsoft XP CD" it won't accept the DELL Product Key.
You already have the DELL provided XP COA Product Key on the bottom of Laptop it only works with DELL reinstalation XP CD.

If you have already installed the Microsoft XP CD on other computer it will install OK on your C600 but you probably won't be able to Activate Windows with Microsoft. ( 30 days to Activate then startup shows only Activate window)

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-03-2003 12:38 PM

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2.4K Posts

December 2nd, 2003 23:00

You need an OEM CD. You have a retail CD. That's why the key is not being accepted. PM me for more info.

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