SP2 Upgrade Hangs On Key Verification

OK we got my mom a laptop a year ago, and now that my brother has moved out, we finally got her the lap top in her posession.

I'm trying to installing Service Pack 2 through windows update, and 3 times now it hangs when it tries to verify the product key. I have an active WiFi connection, and even tried suspending norton temporarily, and it still hangs up. XP Came Pre-Installed and unfortunately, I have zero idea where all the original instructions that came in the latop's box have gone to.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

First check underneath the laptop, you should find a label showing the OS Version Home/Pro and the product key.

Verify the OS by right clicking on "My Computer" and selecting properties, now download something like Jellybean Keyfinder and verify the product key is the same.

Post your findings as well as Make/Model of Laptop, if your brother has messed up the OS there may be a recovery option available.

 

The only sticker I have on the bottom that bears the XP logo completely and totally does not match what JB Keyfinder is bringing up. Same XXXXX-XXXXX-etc format, but WAY off. And thankfully isn't the same as mine on my PC, since he used my XP disc once.

It is a Toshiba Satellite A105-S4274.

Earliest system restore I have is only October, so I don't know if that would help..

And just so ya know, I know my way somewhat around a computer if that helps you explain what you need me to do =)

 

Be aware, all of the below may (and probably will) result in data loss.

Your brother's been using an illegal copy of XP, you'll need to reinstall using the correct key. The Toshiba may have a recovery partition (if that hasn't been wiped), check during startup...

Failing that you could try your CD again, this time using the key on the laptop.

If the above fails, contact Toshiba for a replacement disk.

 

So I deleted the original installation, then tried to use the Keycode on the bottom of the lap top, and of course; it's coming up invalid.

And naturally, not thinking, I didn't think to write down the original code that the Key Checker claimed it was.....

Methinks I'm officially stuck right now.

 

Did you contact Toshiba for a replacement CD? They may be able to supply one at minimal cost.

Failing that you'll probably have to buy XP again, or use a free OS like Linux.