XP SP2 installation error

When downloading the Service Pack 2 update, I get a failed install as it says
my product key code may be invalid. I purchased this computer second hand
and XP was already installed on it. I have the XP CD that came with the
computer and the product key number from that CD, yet is tells me it is
invalid. Is there any way to get the service pack installed without having
to buy another version of XP or am I stuck with no major updates. The
automatic updates always install with no problems, only SP-1 and SP-2 will
not install. Any help?...

Thanks, Mike

Run the Windows XP Product Key Validation Assistant:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/h...s/default.mspx

You receive a "The product key used to install Windows is invalid" error message:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update:

"The product key used to install Windows is invalid"

You'll have to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and perform a "Repair Install" using the new Windows XP Pro CD and Product Key
that comes with it. (You cannot simply change the Product Key)

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...t/default.aspx

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mike" wrote:

| When downloading the Service Pack 2 update, I get a failed install as it says
| my product key code may be invalid. I purchased this computer second hand
| and XP was already installed on it. I have the XP CD that came with the
| computer and the product key number from that CD, yet is tells me it is
| invalid. Is there any way to get the service pack installed without having
| to buy another version of XP or am I stuck with no major updates. The
| automatic updates always install with no problems, only SP-1 and SP-2 will
| not install. Any help?...
|
| Thanks, Mike

Keyfinder may be of some help. You'll find it at:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com

mikeg300 wrote:
> When downloading the Service Pack 2 update, I get a failed install as it says
> my product key code may be invalid. I purchased this computer second hand
> and XP was already installed on it. I have the XP CD that came with the
> computer and the product key number from that CD, yet is tells me it is
> invalid. Is there any way to get the service pack installed without having
> to buy another version of XP or am I stuck with no major updates. The
> automatic updates always install with no problems, only SP-1 and SP-2 will
> not install. Any help?...
>
> Thanks, Mike

Mike;
Is the CD original or a burned CD?
Exactly what does the CD look like?
Is the Product Key the original on the original package or is it a
copy?
If the above are not original you may have an illegal license, see if
this applies:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"mikeg300" <> wrote in message
news:5A5FB3BB-FF46-4BA8-B974-...
> When downloading the Service Pack 2 update, I get a failed install
> as it says
> my product key code may be invalid. I purchased this computer
> second hand
> and XP was already installed on it. I have the XP CD that came with
> the
> computer and the product key number from that CD, yet is tells me it
> is
> invalid. Is there any way to get the service pack installed without
> having
> to buy another version of XP or am I stuck with no major updates.
> The
> automatic updates always install with no problems, only SP-1 and
> SP-2 will
> not install. Any help?...
>
> Thanks, Mike