Installation of Expression studio 4 "Key is not valid." after Window refresh

Question

I installed ES 4 on my windows 8 machine using my license key, i subsequently had to do a windows refresh and now need to re-install ES 4. Even though I am using the correct license key and the same software it still gives me the following error. "Key is not valid. Verify and enter your product key again.". I have checked and I am entitled to another activation provided it is on the same machine with the same hardware config, which it is.

Please help!

I have tried to log with support.microsoft.com but they require my PID which i can only get if i could actually install the software, otherwise i would need to pay for support for something that is recognised as a problem with the setup.

Answer 1

See this thread:

http://social.expression.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/web/thread/da000eea-b7e8-461f-b64a-79fea49d8b34

 

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Ron Symonds
Microsoft MVP (Expression Web)

www.rxs-enterprises.org/fp

Answer 2

Hi Ziggy,

I have experienced exactly the same issue after my windows 8 refresh, thanks for the reply Ron but the subsequent thread did not yield any results for this Expression Studio Issue.

Answer 3

Thanks for this Ron, but this is for Web 4 and specifically says for Web 4 only. So my question is will this work for Studio 4 as well? If not do you have any other suggestions? 

It is very frustrating trying to sort this out, i have valid software, a valid license (confirm by MS licensing via email) and cannot install.

Please help.

Answer 4

Just tried to run the hotfix, as expected it did not work. No software is installed so it can't run.

Answer 5

I thought that perhaps I could run the setup in a silent mode using the following:

setup.exe -q PROOFOFPURCHASE=My-PIDKEY-with-Hyphens FORCEPRODUCTKEY=1
The installation runs through successfully but then when I try to open any of the applications there is an error saying that the license did not load properly.

Answer 6

Expression Web 4 is part of the Studio 4, and is normally the troublesome component - If it is EW4 giving the problem, then one or other of the hotfixes listed in (or linked from) that thread should

work.

If Blend, Encoder or Design is the troublesome component, then the only solution is to open a support case with Microsoft. A credit card will be needed, but for licensing issues there is no charge

(at least in UK and USA, and should be no charge elsewhere).

 

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Ron Symonds
Microsoft MVP (Expression Web)

www.rxs-enterprises.org/fp

Answer 7

After much wasted time, a support call is the only way.

Web hotfix for expression web 4 will not work.

RESOLUTION:

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1. Uninstall all the Expression products (Expression Studio) from Control Panel (if any).

2. Rename the folder (SL) under C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\SL to SL_Old.

3. MS Support install a tool to clean out the license files on you machine via a remote support session.

4. Re-install the product.

Answer 8

Where do I need to go to do step 3?

Answer 9

"Where do I need to go to do step 3? "

Open a case with Microsoft Support.

For USA, start here:  http://support.microsoft.com/ph/12466/en-us

For UK   http://support.microsoft.com/ph/12466/en-gb

 

Pick Assisted Support Options, then the product. Then follow the wizard.

Licensing and product key problems should be free, but you will be asked for a credit card, and the pages indicate a charge of (for UK) £199 plus VAT.

 

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Ron Symonds
Microsoft MVP (Expression Web)

www.rxs-enterprises.org/fp