Win XP PRO

[raypm]

Upgraded XP Home to XP Pro with disk obtained at a show.
Workrs great for almost a year and when updating got this error message;

Validation Failure: Invalid Product Key
[0x80080220]
Why did it not validate?
Windows has been installed on your machine with an invalid product key. The type of key found on your system is typically licensed by organizations who want to use multiple copies of windows. If you do not have a Volume License Agreement with Microsoft, then you may be a victim of software piracy.

How do I correct this problem?

Do I purchase a new XP Pro Upgrade from a reputable source (Amazon) and load over existing system or what.

[Statica]

The issue is self explanatory, the people providing you with the XP Pro were obviously doing it unauthorized. The result is that you have to be faced with the issue in Microsoft's new antipiracy measures.
To correct the problem is simpler than doing an installation. Buy a copy of XP from a reputable source like newegg or Amazon if you want. All you will need is the serial key at this time, however having the media is a good thing.
You can perform a serial key change by following: http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;810892
Or http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;328874

[raypm]

Suggested MS links did not seem to address my specific problem with XP SP-2

[freakitchen]

The first link is the way to change your product key if you have SP2 installed.

Though as Statica stated, you'll need to have purchased a legitimate copy of windows to obtain a licence key to change to. No need to do a re-install of the new XP, just use the key provided with it.

Freakitchen

[HyperTF]

Originally Posted by raypm Suggested MS links did not seem to address my specific problem with XP SP-2

Your specific problem is it appears you have bought yourself a dodgy copy of XP from Mr Shifty at the show... and by attempting to update it has exposed a pirated copy.

Probably a quick way to verify this is by asking how much you paid for it?

Does it have the fancy 3D patterns on the top of the CD? or just your el-cheapo blank CD look

Does it have the fancy authentication sticker with product code? or a bubblejet printed black and white sticker stuck to the jewel case?

[raypm]

Re; The first link

Activating the first link and following Part 1 of the resolution could not locate the "Activate Windows Button". Trioed several times and it was not listed.

Ray :

[HyperTF]

Re: all the replies to your first post... Mate, do you have a dodgy version of XP? (ie a burnt copy?) If the answer is yes, I am not surprised you cant get anything to work.

If you can, back up your data, reformat and re-install XP Home... or go out and buy a legit copy of XP Pro, back up, reformat and re-install.

[peekaboo]

I believe ms offers discounts if you provide details about how you got the pirated (or what you think might be pirated) software.
I was not impressed with their discounts.

on another note, you can still update all the security updates.
if you're using sp2, how out of date could it be?
what is it that you feel is missing?

(of course this is only until you get your hands on a legitimate copy of windows, because everybody in this forum knows that asking for help while using pirated software is a no no)