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.