Microsoft KB Archive/812467

= Error message when you install and try to activate a Microsoft game, Streets and Trips 2008, or Math 3.0: &quot;The product key is not valid&quot; =

Article ID: 812467

Article Last Modified on 12/4/2007

-

APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Flight Simulator X Deluxe
 * Microsoft Flight Simulator X Standard
 * Microsoft Halo 2 for Windows Vista
 * Microsoft Age of Empires III
 * Microsoft Age of Empires III : The WarChiefs
 * Microsoft Age of Mythology
 * Microsoft Age of Mythology Gold
 * Microsoft Age of Mythology: The Titans
 * Microsoft Dungeon Siege II
 * Microsoft Encarta Premium 2008
 * Microsoft Encarta 2008 Standard
 * Fable: The Lost Chapters PC
 * Microsoft Halo: Combat Evolved for PC
 * Microsoft Math 3.0
 * Microsoft MechWarrior 4: Clan Mech Pak
 * Microsoft MechWarrior 4: Inner Sphere Mech Pak
 * Microsoft Rise of Nations
 * Microsoft Rise of Nations: Gold Edition
 * Microsoft Shadowrun (PC)
 * Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008

-







SYMPTOMS
When you install one of the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section, and you try to enter the product key number, you may receive an error message that resembles the following:

The product key is not valid. Please re-enter your key.

The product key entered is incorrect or invalid. If the product key was mistyped, please correct it and try again.



CAUSE
This issue may occur if one or both of the following conditions are true:
 * The product key is not entered correctly.
 * The CD-set number, the disc assembly number, or the part number was entered instead of the product key.
 * You tried to use the product key for another product.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, follow these steps:  Verify that you are typing the product key and that you are not typing the CD-set number, the disc assembly number, or the part number.

The product key is located inside the disc case or on the back of the disc sleeve on a rectangular sticker, and appears in the following format:

PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

 Retype the product key. Make sure that you type it correctly.

Make sure that you type the correct characters. The following characters are often confused:  B and 8 G and 6 U and V Q and O</li> The letter O and the number 0 (zero)</li> The letter L and the number 1</li></ul> </li> Verify that you are using the product key with the correct product. Product keys only work for the product that the product key is for.</li></ol>

Additional query words: performance

Keywords: kberrmsg kbprb kbconfig KB812467

-

[mailto:TECHNET@MICROSOFT.COM Send feedback to Microsoft]

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.