hi, is this normal procedure? i had a problem reinstalling xp home which turned out to be a duff installation cd ..so i managed to get my hands on a friends cd,got this to install ok up to the registering part ..ok
i entered my original xphome genuine product key..then it said invalid key
i phoned microsoft who had me on the phone for half an hour..
they then said i cant install from a different cd with my produc key?
after a while they got hold of a technician who took my details +said they will replace the disc with a new product key..........but its going to be 10-15days before i get it.................wow..good service or what 3yrs ago i bought this genuine product never used the disc again and all this ?
is there any way to use another cd with my original product key or am i stuck with a 2 week wait?
regards glenn

Hey there munkymush.

The reason it probably didn't work is due to it being a newer version of the Windows CD, for example it might have service pack2 included or something.

You will have to find someone that has a Windows CD from the same year, then you should be able to use your Genuine Product key, otherwise you will have to wait the 10 - 15 days. :cry:

I've had the same problem and unfortunately there seems to be no way around this, especially with the new authentication process that M'soft run when you update, it check the authenticity of the install and will not update ripped installations, sorry.

Hi MunkyMush,

Welcome to PCHF.

In an effort to stop piracy Microsoft made xp with "single install" keys. I am afraid you will just have to wait. However, you can select "register later" and you will have 30 days to complete the registration. This should give you the time you need until new key arrives.

hi, how do i get by the window i get up......as this 1 doesnt have register later as an option? all i get is enter product key no more choices. seems daft to me as i thought the product key would be the important part not the cd?
thanks glenn

Actually, this is true, but it's not about the product key. After you have inserted the product key during your installation, you have to activate Windows. And for the activation you got 30 days. But you product key must be inserted during installation, so there's no way to get through this. Sorry about that!

looks like ill have to wait for that cd+prod key to arrive then, good job i hav a spare tower which i scrounged off my daughter...
this 1 has xp in it.i have got the product key out of the machine but no cd so if i want to reinstall this at any time what cd do i use......?
also when registering, is it ok to enter my name +address in the details required bit? as i am now a new owner? is it ok with microsoft to install 1 xp package in 2 pc's at the same addressusing the same internet connection if only 1 is in use at any time.....ie keep a spare tower already to use ?
thanks glenn