License Key Problem

gw1500se · 31st December 2009

I have a installed Windows XP that has one of those group licenses which apparently is not considered "Genuine" any more. However, I tried to change the license to a single installation key. I know I typed in the key correctly but yet it still tells me the key is not valid. What is the reason that a legitimate key would not work under my circumstances? Does a group key leave something behind that makes changing a license key more complicated? Here is what I did:

http://www.askstudent.com/tips/how-t...y-information/

I used Method #1 which fails on step 10.

TIA.

**mattman** · 1st January 2010

The link you supplied is not for the purpose you are trying to achieve.

Bottom line...you are using a Windows installation that does not match the key you are inputting. You need to use the correct key for the version of Windows you are installing.

If you are using a Home disk with a Pro key...well? If you are using a retail installer with an OEM key, it won't work. Yes, I have read about some OEM keys being changed, you will need to take that up with the original equipment manufacturer or Microsoft. We can only point out that you may have mismatched the installer with the key.

Matt

gw1500se · 2nd January 2010

Thanks for the reply. Indeed, if I did not make it clear, the installers do not match. I was not aware that it mattered. When I left the company I purchased the machine I used as an employee. Some time after I left the key suddenly became "not genuine". Now that I have acquired a "genuine" key how can I replace my current key without doing a reinstall? They are both XP Pro but reinstalling all my software may not be worth having a "genuine" key. Can Microsoft authorize it over the phone since I have a legitimate key?

**PeteC** · 2nd January 2010

Try ....

How To Change the Windows XP Product Key Code

gw1500se · 2nd January 2010

Thanks but I don't see any real difference between what I posted and your instructions. In any case following your instructions, it just tells me that I have an invalid product key. That is the same error I got that prompted this thread.

pccarehimanshu · 6th January 2010

Try to run wga tool to check - genuinity , type of copy (OEM/Retail)

Link : http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012

gw1500se · 7th January 2010

I think you are missing the original issue. I already know the key that is installed is "not genuine". The problem is putting in the new "genuine" key without doing a reinstall.

**PeteC** · 8th January 2010

I found this which may be helpful, but I cannot vouch for it ......

How to remove non genuine xp?

Further info. here .....

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install

Look in particular at the FAQ - #18

gw1500se · 8th January 2010

Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't tried this because I noticed it mentioned the method would not work for a "bootleg corporate" install. While my copy is not "bootleg," IMO, because it was purchased legitimately from my former employer, it has apparently become "not genuine." Perhaps that makes it "bootleg." Anyway this entire thread seems ridiculous to me. If I have a legitimate key that I want to enter, why would Microsoft design this stuff to discourage using a legitimate key? I think I may return my copy for a refund and continue to live with the "not genuine" key. Compliance should not be rocket science.