Why is the product key for windows xp invalid?

Must you use XP?

@the100thmonkey well I actually wanted to partition the disc using xp and ubuntu. but it’s not convenient on an eeepc.
Yes, id prefer xp on the eeepc because it’s lighter.
would you have any other suggestions?

Define “convenient” here – I’m confused!

If the product key that came with the XP installation media is invalid, it’s because it’s not a valid key – one or more of the alphanumerics in the key code you have is incorrect.

I suggest that you return the copy of the installation media to the vendor and ask for a new one with a new key. The only other alternatives – such as obtaining another key from somewhere else – entail actions that may be considered illegal where you live.

Depending on the model of the EEE, you may find other OSes useful – UNE is great for netbooks provided you don’t have a first generation SSD installed. Alternatively, you could look at Linux distributions employing LXDE or XFCE as their desktop environments. They’re both excellent options for low-spec laptops/netbooks with slow SSDs, particularly if you install it on a non-journalling filesystem such as EXT2.

The product key as @the100thmonkey said, is invalid because the alphanumeric sequence isn’t correct. Most likely it wasn’t meant for the version of XP that you’re trying to install. The Home and Professional keys are generated using different algorithms. I’ve even found that my key works on XP Home service pack 1 but not service pack 2. Are you sure your key was meant for your XP version? Are you getting this key off of a Windows XP product box?

If you’re really desperate you could always obtain a key generator or a fake key from a cracking site. Installing Windows this way is illegal however and won’t let you use automatic updates. It will probably also fail the Windows Genuine Advantage test and leave you with a “This copy of Windows is pirated” notification on your desktop. But that’s up to you.

Let us not forget about manufacturer OEM keys. If your key was meant for, say, a Dell, then your key will *only*work on that type of hardware. Now, a full retail version won’t have that limitation, but I know few people who have a non-OEM copy of Windows.

Personally, I found my netbook ran better under UNE than it ever did under XP, and I am shocked that Asus went with Xandros as opposed to some Ubuntu variant.