Error message when you try to activate a copy of Windows by using the Windows Activation wizard: "The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid: 0xC004F050"

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Re-insert the product key by using the "Change product key" tool

To re-insert the product key, follow these steps:

1. Click Start , click Computer, and then click System properties on the toolbar.
2. In the Windows activation section, click Change product key.
   
   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue.
   
3. In the Product key box, type the product key, and then click Next.
   
4. Follow the steps in the Windows Activation Wizard to complete the activation process.
   

If these steps do not resolve this issue, continue to Method 2.

Method 2: Activate Windows by using the automated telephone system

To activate Windows by telephone, you must use an automated telephone system.

To activate Windows by using the automated telephone system, follow these steps:

1. Click Start , and then click Computer.
   
2. Click System properties on the toolbar, and then click Click here to activate Windows now in the Windows activation section.
   
   
   
   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
   
3. Click Show me other ways to Activate.
   
4. Click Use the automated phone system, and then follow the instructions.
   

If these steps do not resolve this issue, continue to Method 3.

Method 3: Troubleshoot Volume Activation issues

For more information about how to troubleshoot Volume Activation issues, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

938450 How to troubleshoot Volume Activation error codes on Windows Vista-based computers