hi there. whats the difference between a PID number to a product key.i bought
this computer with a preinstalled xp pro version with PID number but
everytime i try to installs sp1 or sp2 , i got the message of an invalid
key . am i a victim of piracy or plain stupidity in buying this computer???
please help!!

Hi,

Does the error message look like the one described here?

Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326904

If it does, it means you were sold an illegal copy of the commonly
distributed volume license version. You will need to purchase a legal copy
before you do anything.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

"fapot" <fapot@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:B1D157C5-54E1-4125-AAB1-5C3D189DEC15@microsoft.com...
> hi there. whats the difference between a PID number to a product key.i
> bought
> this computer with a preinstalled xp pro version with PID number but
> everytime i try to installs sp1 or sp2 , i got the message of an invalid
> key . am i a victim of piracy or plain stupidity in buying this
> computer???
> please help!!

fapot wrote:
> hi there. whats the difference between a PID number to a product key.i bought
> this computer with a preinstalled xp pro version with PID number but
> everytime i try to installs sp1 or sp2 , i got the message of an invalid
> key . am i a victim of piracy or plain stupidity in buying this computer???
> please help!!


The Product *ID* is created during the installation process and is
prominently displayed on the General Properties tab of the My Computer
icon. It is used to obtain/qualify for technical support (limited
though that may be) from Microsoft.

The Product *Key* is used to "prove" ownership of a legitimate
license and is required to perform the installation, and is either
stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker that says "Do not
lose this number," or is on a label affixed to an OEM computer.

If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:

The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and use a _legitimate_ full retail copy of
WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation,
using the new CD and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directo...;EN-US;Q315341


--

Bruce Chambers

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