cd key is invalid

[mikee286]

I am fixing a friends laptop and when I enter the cd key during the windows install it just says CD key is invalid even though I typed it in exactly as on the sticker now I am stuck at this part of the installation and can't go any further until I have the key

[Lewism]

I guess you are installing XP. You have the wrong CD for the CD key. They are 3 types of CDs: OEM, Retail and VLK.

The sticker on the box must be an OEM and you are using a Retail or Volume Liscence Key CD to install it.

So find another CD

[Tech God]

are you sure the copy you are using pertains to that particular key? XP pro keys do not work with XP pro corporate copies, just as XP home does not work with XP pro etc.

as mentioned above, there are OEM, VLK, and Retail copies.

OEM = original equipment manufacturer, you would get one of these from like Dell or HP.

VLK - volume license key, these can be installed on hundreds of computers, businesses usually buy these.

Retail - a brand new copy you would buy at Newegg or Future Shop or something like that, untouched and no programs installed by a pc manufacturer.

Although microsoft could mess up with the key printing, it is highly unlikely as they have distributed windows XP by the millions and i've never heard of this issue (assuming the person was using the correct copy)

[+virtorio MVC]

If you're using a OEM key you must use an OEM installation disc(i.e. the one that came with the machine). If you're using a retail installation disc it won't accept it.

If you're using the disc that came with the laptop, and you've definitely entered the key correctly, you might want to contact the laptop vendor.

[+Gary7 Subscriber²]

You might have to call Microsoft, I had to once and it was pretty painless. It took about 5 minutes.

[mikee286]

I am using an oem copy since I don't have the compaq disks and Im using the cd key thats on the bottom of the computer. I think its sorted now since I have vision problems I typed a b instead of an 8 and caused an invalid key