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"

When you try to activate a copy of Windows Vista or Windows 7 by using the Windows Activation wizard, you receive an error message that resembles the following:

This problem occurs if the license validity interval has expired, or if the license is not signed correctly.

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
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
   , click Computer, and then click System properties on the toolbar.
2. In the Windows activation section, click Change product key.
   
   
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
   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
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
   , 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.
   
   
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
   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:

To verify the Windows activation status, follow these steps:

1. Click Start
   Collapse this imageExpand this image

   
   , and then click Computer.
2. Click System properties on the toolbar, and then view the activation status in the Windows activation section.

To view frequently asked questions about Windows activation, visit the following Microsoft Web site: