I have just gone back to factory settings, and have done twice before in the last five years with my PC. I have Windows ME and have tried several times to enter what I know to be the correct product key. I have entered it carefully, not confusing 8 with B, for instance.

I have tried to clear the buffer (I think that's what the HELPLINE called it) and I have gone to the bios screen to update the date and time, yet still it TELLS me the key is INCORRECT.

(I went to factory settings believing I had a virus, but I am now convinced the fan needs a clean as it switched off more frequently in hot weather.) :-/

What are my options, please? I'd be glad of any advice. All Microsoft helplines send me off to nonsense that doesn't help at all. I no longer have a valid warranty.

Thank you. And what kind of computer is it? And do you have a restore CD or some sort of hidden partition or what? If a CD, what does it say on it?It's a Packard Bell iMedia 6185.

I have USED a recovery floppy disc and followed the same recovery procedure as I've done successfully twice before.

Thank you.I'm relatively certain that WinME won't fit on a floppy...
Post as much info as you can on your machine, hardware, and what happened prior to this and someone will be ALONG shortly to assist...

patio.   8-)