Hello, I was having odd minor problems with some MS apps, so decided to re-install MS 98 over the top of the existing version. However, now I've completely messed up the PC. I can't get past the "Product key you entered is invalid" error. The Product key is defaulted (automatically entered) and appears to be correct. It matches with the number in REGEDIT (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES etc.). Running in safe mode I can't access the CD drive, so can't attempt installing anything else. The CD I used was the original OEM CD from Dell. Could anyone help me to either progres or abort back to how it was previously? Cheers

You must use the original CD key as printed on the front page of the Getting Started book supplied with your CD.This code is different from the one found in regedit because Windows checks your code and converts it to make it useless in the hands of a third party looking in the Regedit.Good luck.

key finder

I don't think that's true for win9X Petit Jean.

The only reason I can think that the product key wouldn't work is if it's registry entry was edited via regedit after the original installation. The 98 cd has an algorhythm to determine a valid number and the default number that was entered came from the registry. So even if was the default number, it wouldn't be seen as legit if it had been edited. Do you have anything besides the registry entry--paperwork, a license sticker, etc.--that indicates the correct number? Otherwise I suppose you could delete the product ID and key in the registry. This would force it to be entered again. But then if you had the wrong number you'd really be screwed. In the meantime I guess you're hitting 'cancel' to abort the installation process?

Several suggestions here. invalid product key