WINXP Pro - SP2 install "checking product key"

Dell Inspiron 8600 w/ genuine OEM MS XP Pro from Dell.

I reinstalled XP from the Dell CD on top of my existing XP installation. The
new XP install is activated and passes MS Genuine tests. All WINXP updates
installed fine, but SP2 will not install. It hangs on 'checking product key.'
I used Keyfinder and verified that the Windows Product Key DOES NOT match the
sticker code on the bottom of my Dell.

How can I get SP2 to install?

Thanks

Jim,

See if this works :
http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/...8466&SiteID=25

> This worked for me (recommended for a Dell laptop, I have a Vaio):
>
> 1) Please go into the CMD prompt (Start/Run --> cmd.exe )
>
> 2) Then type cd /d %windir%\inf and make sure we are in that
> directory.
>
> 3) Then type ren oem*.inf oem*.old, it will go back to the prompt
> after giving you some error (Do not worry about it)
>
> 4) Then type ren oem*.pnf oem*.old1, it will go back to the prompt
> after giving you some error (Do not worry about it)
>
> 5) Then goto start - run - type "%windir%\inf" and you will see
> the files in the folder.
>
> 6) Then find the file by name INFCACHE.1 and take a backup of it
> to desktop (by copying it to desktop) and delete the INFCACHE.1
> from c:\windows\inf.
>
> 7) Close all windows and reboot the computer to safe mode and
> start the installation of SP2 and it should go fine.
>
> Cheers
> Ste

The only step left out was pressing Enter after typing *each* command.

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2007]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============




Jim wrote:

> Dell Inspiron 8600 w/ genuine OEM MS XP Pro from Dell.
>
> I reinstalled XP from the Dell CD on top of my existing XP installation. The
> new XP install is activated and passes MS Genuine tests. All WINXP updates
> installed fine, but SP2 will not install. It hangs on 'checking product key.'
> I used Keyfinder and verified that the Windows Product Key DOES NOT match the
> sticker code on the bottom of my Dell.
>
> How can I get SP2 to install?
>
> Thanks

Hi there,

you can try the MS keychanger which is to be found here:
http://catalog.microsoft.com/genuine...tructions.aspx

Best regards,
Michel Denie

"Jim" <> wrote in message
news:A1724FDD-9F2D-4B28-BB32-...
> Dell Inspiron 8600 w/ genuine OEM MS XP Pro from Dell.
>
> I reinstalled XP from the Dell CD on top of my existing XP installation.
> The
> new XP install is activated and passes MS Genuine tests. All WINXP updates
> installed fine, but SP2 will not install. It hangs on 'checking product
> key.'
> I used Keyfinder and verified that the Windows Product Key DOES NOT match
> the
> sticker code on the bottom of my Dell.
>
> How can I get SP2 to install?
>
> Thanks