Question

Get Invalid Product Key when trying to reinstall

Asked by: mrsam3

I am trying to reinstall windows ME on a machine that came with it when it was bought bran new. When i am in the install process and it ask me for the key i type in the key that is on the COA on the computer. It keeps saying the key is invalid. if you call the number on the screen the checked it and said yes the key is good but offered no more help. If anyone knows what i could do to get this to installed please let me know.
JH

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Asked On
2009-05-04 at 07:19:43ID24377958
Topic

Windows ME Operating System

Participating Experts
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Answers

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2009-05-05 at 07:57:23ID: 24305405

a) Boot to DOS using a Win Me Startup Floppy and select 4) Minimal Boot

b) At the A:\> prompt, type the following:

C:\Windows\Command\Find /I "ProductKey" C:\Windows\System.dat

Press Enter and the first line of the screen dump will look like this:

ProductKey XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

where the X's are your actual CD Key.

Do they match the key you are trying to use?

Zee

 

by: mrsam3Posted on 2009-05-07 at 11:32:48ID: 24328996

This just gives me a message saying bad command or file name. Is there something else i need to do to get to that point, the hard drive has been formatted and was starting the install when i get the invalid product key. do i need to copy the files to the Hard drive before doing this?
JH

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2009-05-07 at 11:51:03ID: 24329229

If it was formatted that command won't work.

Maybe you are using an upgrade key rather than an OEM or full install license?

 

by: mrsam3Posted on 2009-05-08 at 10:37:18ID: 24338380

I am using an OEM disc with the product key on the side of the computer. Which should be the OEM key.

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2009-05-08 at 10:45:30ID: 24338448

Does that PC have a make and model?

 

by: mrsam3Posted on 2009-05-11 at 08:03:29ID: 24355376

It is a hp pavilion 6736.
JH

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2009-05-11 at 11:03:13ID: 24357225

And don't you have an HP Restore CD?

 

by: mrsam3Posted on 2009-05-11 at 15:03:15ID: 24359490

No i do not have an HP restore CD. it has been lost.
JH

 

by: blue_zeePosted on 2009-05-11 at 15:28:48ID: 24359672

That is surely the reason for the problem.

You do need the restore CDs.

 

by: mrsam3Posted on 2009-06-01 at 15:08:33ID: 24522295

Found the correct version of windows ME that needed to be installed with that product key.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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