Hi,I recently had a problem with a computer with XP Pro installed. I sent in the computer to a repair shop and they rang me up later saying they needed to reinstall windows. I didn't give them my install disc so they said they would use their own.Once I got my PC back I tried to activate windows using my product key, but the wizard says it is invalid.My PC originally had counterfeit windows on it (I was unaware of this for over a year), so I had to purchase a copy off microsofts website. It was a genuine advantage kit. I am trying to use this key to activate windows.After some research I have a suspicion that perhaps the shop used an OEM windows CD and so my key doesn't work.I really don't want to pay for another reinstall of windows, nor do I want to reinstall all my programs AGAIN. How can I activate my copy of windows without a reinstall. In case it matters, my retail CD has SP2 installed on it while my computer has been installed with a CD with SP3 on it.Thanks.1 person needs an answerI do too

Windows XP Professional - then the service pack level will have no effect on the validity of the product key (there were some versions of Windows XP Home edition with SP2 and above that had different product key sequences than prior versions.) What is the product ID (not key - do not post the product KEY here) of the installed Windows XP? (You can check the key too - but that is not what I am insterested in - I am asking about the Product ID of the installed OS.) Right-click on "My Computer" and choose "Properties". Under the "General" tab, beneath "Registered to" there is a number that looks ike: #####-___-#######-##### What is the ___? You might try:http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx That might be able to change it to your retail copy. In any case - you should complain to the shop.-- Shenan Stanley MS-MVP --How To Ask Questions The Smart Wayhttp://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html