My computer crashed and I am trying to reinstall my windows xp.
but when I go through the installation procedure, it won't take the key on the
COA. It keeps saying "Product id invalid".
I can't even install the windows xp now.
anyone encounter similar problem before?
BTW, I am 100% sure both my CD and COA are genuine.
My last installation is about 4 years ago and it works fine.
I really don't know why it suddenly stops working.
thanks if anyone can have some input

carefully type the key. you need all capitals. are you typing capitals? you
can install xp i think without a coa but you only have 30 days that way

"tjj1" wrote:

>
> My computer crashed and I am trying to reinstall my windows xp.
> but when I go through the installation procedure, it won't take the key
> on the
> COA. It keeps saying "Product id invalid".
> I can't even install the windows xp now.
> anyone encounter similar problem before?
> BTW, I am 100% sure both my CD and COA are genuine.
> My last installation is about 4 years ago and it works fine.
> I really don't know why it suddenly stops working.
> thanks if anyone can have some input
>
>
> --
> tjj1
>

Yes, I double check the letter many times. I did put in correct key.
I don't see any option to install xp without a key. It requires the product key
for installation and I just stuck there.

Product Keys (Validation) are tied to the type of disk being used. It's
possible you've got a mismatch between COA and disk you're using.
Also, PIDs are very difficult to read and distinguish certain characters.
B and 8 are very similar, along with other characters that share some
common shapes/sizes. I actually use an illuminated magnifying glass to
transcribe PID codes. Even with that I'll occasionally misread Q/G &
a few others. Newer Microsoft products use a different/better font on
the "Don't Loose this Sticker" to help cut down on PID misinterpretation.

"tjj1" <computechsale@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:tjj1.2mqemz@no-mx.tabletquestions.com...
>
> My computer crashed and I am trying to reinstall my windows xp.
> but when I go through the installation procedure, it won't take the key
> on the
> COA. It keeps saying "Product id invalid".
> I can't even install the windows xp now.
> anyone encounter similar problem before?
> BTW, I am 100% sure both my CD and COA are genuine.
> My last installation is about 4 years ago and it works fine.
> I really don't know why it suddenly stops working.
> thanks if anyone can have some input
>
>
> --
> tjj1

I really hope it's just I can't recognize the keys. I asked my wife to help me to put in the key and we have the same result. I tried another key on my another desktop and it can pass through. but I don't wanna install with that key since it's being used right now. Both copies are windows xp generic oem.
Both CDs are the same. COAs are the same color but different part number.
It's very weird that it just doesn't work.