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Invalid Product Key Windows 8 provided by Microsoft- Windows 8 installer not functioning

I am upgrading a 6-month old SONY VIAO Z-series (Core i7 processor ) running Windows-64 bit to Windows 8.

 

I bought online  this morning the Windows 8 upgrade program -which checks if the laptop can be upgraded; and was provided a Product key by Microsoft.

 

When running Windows 8 installer, the product key (provided by Microsoft after the puchase is approved) is considered "invalid" in the installer program and you therefore can't click on the "next" button. So nothing is happening and you have to quit the program.

 

 

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yep bought windows 8 from store and same thing.  says invalid.  tried calling MS but was told to call in morning.  that the team that handles this issue is unavailable at this time.  Personally I just got tired of dealing with them.

 

microsoft your windows 8 launch is getting off to a bad start.  you might want to work on that.

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Hi richard,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. Based on your post, I understand that you were able to download, but I am sorry to know that you were unable to install Windows 8 Pro and you were offered at a lower price where you ordered backup disc.

Please provide us details on following to help you in a better way:

1. Did you make any changes to your computer?
2. Did you Download and installed it or did you try installing from the DVD/CD
3. Did you tried Upgrading it or Clean Installed?
4. Make sure you are typing the correct product key, as some times letter B looks as number 8.

If you need any further help, please reply to us and we will be glad to help you further.

Thank you.

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Hello RichardRN,

- Please verify you have entered the key correctly, The key should not contain
   Letters: E U I O A S Z L N and numbers: 1 and 0
   There are easy to confuse so the Product Key does not contain these letters or numbers
-  If you are on a domain, disconnect from the domain and try the product key again
- Verify your system meets the minimum requirements especially for the amount of RAM
   RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
-  Your download could be corrupt. If you burned to a DVD, re-burn the media.
-  Delete the temp folder in the %localappdata% folder for the currently logged in user

Let us know if any of these suggestions help with your product key issue.


Thanks,


Marilyn


 

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Hi richard,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community. Based on your post, I understand that you were able to download, but I am sorry to know that you were unable to install Windows 8 Pro and you were offered at a lower price where you ordered backup disc.

Please provide us details on following to help you in a better way:

1. Did you make any changes to your computer?
2. Did you Download and installed it or did you try installing from the DVD/CD
3. Did you tried Upgrading it or Clean Installed?
4. Make sure you are typing the correct product key, as some times letter B looks as number 8.

If you need any further help, please reply to us and we will be glad to help you further.

Thank you.

I downloaded Windows 8, and received my "thank you for ordering" email with the product key within the email. So I simply copied and pasted the key over to me Parallels Windows 8 Desktop and was told my key was invalid. I would like this taken care of so that I may use Windows 8 on my Mac.

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Hey Marilyn,

After reading your post, I noticed my product key has an N in it. I'm having a problem with verifying my Windows 8 pro because it says the key does not match. Would that be the problem ?

Sincerely,

Cory

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Hi Marilyn!

I see that you explained that the key should not contain certain letters. However i was provided with a key containing an N and requested a second.... which was provided with an N in it as well. Therefore i cannot activate. What can i do????

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Hello RichardRN,

- Please verify you have entered the key correctly, The key should not contain
   Letters: E U I O A S Z L N and numbers: 1 and 0
   There are easy to confuse so the Product Key does not contain these letters or numbers
-  If you are on a domain, disconnect from the domain and try the product key again
- Verify your system meets the minimum requirements especially for the amount of RAM
   RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
-  Your download could be corrupt. If you burned to a DVD, re-burn the media.
-  Delete the temp folder in the %localappdata% folder for the currently logged in user

Let us know if any of these suggestions help with your product key issue.


Thanks,


Marilyn

Hello Marilyn


I have Win 8 OEM for a clean install on a new build, I am also getting the same invalid key issue. As per your first point, the key is written in really tiny lettering on a very colourful background, so it is hard to read but my key does have a "N" in it.

This is a little confusing. 

 


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Hello Marilyn

I am having the same problem called out by cj-m. Clean install of Win 8 64bit OEM. Have an "N" my key. Have tried several times entering the key but installer program will not except.

 

Thank You

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I am having the exact same issue.  I purchase Win 8 Pro this morning and received an email with the key a few minutes later.  I did a clean install on a new SSD hard drive.  If I go to settings and then to change PC settings I see the activation prompt.  I typed in my key and got a message that the key didn't work.  I then copied it directly from the email I received and got the same message... what's next??  Not a good start with Windows 8.  My key also has an N in it...

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I pre-ordered 2 copies of Windows 8 Pro x64 OEM from NewEgg. The first installed as expected, the second failed activation. After several failed attempts, I realized that the product key on the cd sleeve does not match the disc. Like others, my product key also has an N. As such, I've had a useless copy of Windows for a month now. I've been back and forth with NewEgg support, but have gotten nowhere fast. I have no idea what other options I have.

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Question Info

Last updated December 26, 2022 Views 15,872 Applies to: