Microsoft finally did it. With the new Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1), all you people who downloaded serialz off of the internet instead of purchasing a REAL copy (tsk tsk) are finding yourself unable to install SP1. You may receive the following error:

326904 Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid

Well here is how to get out of this jam. First gain a new key buy *ahem* puchasing a copy from a retailer, and use the Activation Wizard. Here's how...

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
4. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
6. Click Start, and then click Run.
7. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
   %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
8. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
9. Click Change Product key.
10. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update. If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
11. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:
    Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
12. Click OK.
13. Install SP1 for Windows XP.

If you cannot restart Windows after you install SP1, press F8 when you restart the computer, select Last Known Good Configuration, and then repeat this procedure.

Related Links

Change the Volume Licensing Product Key on a Windows XP SP1-Based Computer - 328874

Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid - 326904