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April 15th, 2004 07:00
Valid CD Key does not work
I formatted the 20GB HD on a Optiplex SX260 to bring the three (3) partitions to one (1). When reloading the Win2k op sys software, I recieve the message "CD Key you entered is not valid." Dell says that MS does not recognize the software for Dell or some such nonsense. The key is legitimate (or should be) since it is attached to the case, so is there a workaround without needing to purchase a new copy or upgrade?
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DELL-Stephen S
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1.4K Posts
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April 15th, 2004 19:00
Ajomac,
Thank you for visiting the Dell Community Forum.
I would advise double checking that the key is being entered correctly, paying close attention to characters like 8 and B which can look very similar in the type face used on the labels; also make sure that the key is the correct number of digits for the code that is being requested.
Ajomac
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April 16th, 2004 00:00
Thanks, Stephen. I did in fact try switching "8's" and "B's" and had a couple of other people review the Key to see if I missed something or had mis-interpreted a character, but the error persisted. Thanks, I'll keep trying.
Greg Gaudreau
53 Posts
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April 16th, 2004 11:00
Ajomac,
Are you trying to reinstall using the same Windows 2000 disk which was supplied with your computer? If not, this most likely is your problem. CD keys are based on the disk which was supplied so having the Dell supplied operating system reinstall disk is critical. If for example you were trying to install the OS from a newer disk which may include a service pack that was not on your original disk, it will not work.
Greg
Ajomac
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April 17th, 2004 06:00
Greg Gaudreau
53 Posts
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April 17th, 2004 11:00
Ajomac,
You do not need the exact Dell disk that was shipped with your system to reinstall. You only need one with the same service pack edition. For example on my favorite Dell system (an old Inspiron 8000), the version it came with was "Windows 2000 SP1". If I misplaced my Dell reinstall disk, I would have to find another disk that had SP1 on it in order for the CD key to work. If you do not know what version your computer was built with go to customer support, create a free account, plug in your service tag number (which will be on your case) then go to "original configuration". That will tell you what version of Windows 2000 was shipped with your system.
Best of Luck,
Greg
Hydralisk00222
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2.4K Posts
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April 20th, 2004 23:00
Not correct. If this was the case we'd all be in a frenzy, especially the corporations who use OEM cdkeys...
You must use OEM disks in order to use the key affixed on the chassis.
There are ways to check if it is an OEM disk but i'm not sure if I can post that here. Last time I posted something relevant to that and i got warned.
Greg Gaudreau
53 Posts
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April 21st, 2004 13:00
Hydralisk,
You are also correct however so am I. I work in IT and have encountered this problem quite a few in the last number of years. I also have the disks and CD keys (both OEM & non) to prove it. The issue was also covered in TechNet.
Message Edited by Greg Gaudreau on 04-22-2004 06:15 PM