Product key error

I had to do a system restore, and when prompted to enter
the product key, I keep getting the "invalid product key"
error. I only have 20 characters in my product key, but
the computer is asking for 25. Is there a work-around?
Thanks

"Rick Bedford" wrote in message
...
I had to do a system restore, and when prompted to enter
the product key, I keep getting the "invalid product key"
error. I only have 20 characters in my product key, but
the computer is asking for 25. Is there a work-around?
Thanks

You need a valid Product Key, sorry only work around is to obtain
one - try eBay locally.
If you didn't format the HDD there is a chance the original PK is
still in the registry,
boot to DOS and enter this string [watch the caps and spaces]

C:\Windows\Command\Find /N "ProductKey" C:\Windows\System.dat

rgds
Li'l Roberto

On Fri, 25 Jun 2004 18:25:40 -0700, "Rick Bedford"
wrote:

I had to do a system restore, and when prompted to enter
the product key, I keep getting the "invalid product key"
error. I only have 20 characters in my product key, but
the computer is asking for 25. Is there a work-around?
Thanks

Rick,

You can also try this from Dos if the System.1st file has not been
deleted at that point in the install.
Enter: Edit System.1st
Then use the search feature for ProductKey (one word). Use the ALT
key to access the menus.
Use Alt+F then X to exit the Editor.
Not all SE systems have the key in System.1st.
The ProductKey is 5 groups of 5 letters and numbers.

Regards,

Bill Watt
Computer Help and Information http://home.epix.net/~bwatt/