How to Reenter a Product Key
Each copy of the Windows operating system is assigned a unique product key. The product key is located on the installation disk packaging, or provided in an email from Microsoft if the software was downloaded from their website. If you receive a message indicating that your product key is not valid, you likely have a pirated version of Windows or mistyped the product key upon installation. Windows allows you to enter a new product key from the "System Properties" window.
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Instructions
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Open the "Start" menu and then click "Computer."
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Click "System Properties," located at the top of the System window.
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Click "Change Product Key," located in the section of the System Properties window labeled "Activation."
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Enter the product key found in the confirmation email sent by Microsoft, or on the rear of your Windows operating system packaging. Enter the key in the format of "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX".
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Click "Next" to begin the online activation process. During this process, the operating system connects to Microsoft's servers and verifies the validation of the product key. If an error is detected, you will be prompted to re-enter the product key. If the product key is determined to be valid, a confirmation message will appear. Click "OK" to close the confirmation message window and resume using your computer.
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