Games: Error message: The product key is not valid (812467)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Flight Simulator X Deluxe
  • Flight Simulator X Standard
  • Microsoft Age of Empires III
  • Microsoft Age of Empires III Expansion: The War Chiefs
  • Microsoft Age of Mythology
  • Microsoft Age of Mythology: Gold Edition
  • Microsoft Age of Mythology: The Titans
  • Microsoft Dungeon Siege II
  • Microsoft Fable: The Lost Chapters PC
  • Microsoft Halo: Combat Evolved
  • Microsoft MechWarrior 4: Clan 'Mech Pak
  • Microsoft MechWarrior 4: Inner Sphere 'Mech Pak
  • Microsoft Rise of Nations
  • Microsoft Rise of Nations: Gold Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you install one of the Microsoft games that are listed in the "Applies to" 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.

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:
  1. 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

  2. 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
    • The letter O and the number 0 (zero)
    • The letter L and the number 1
  3. 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.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/29/2006
Keywords:kbConfig kberrmsg kbprb KB812467
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