"Entering your product key now is optional..." But doesnt let me continue

[Damonanom]

Hi, Installing vista because seven and 8.1 failed me, so i get to this point after the expansion of the OS and on to the set up process:

And is clearly states "Entering your product key now is optional..." but when i just click next, it says "Product key invalid" - i know, its because i havent got one to enter, but it said i could move on.. - Clearly not.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[HEXiT]

did windows 8 ship with your laptop/pc? if so you may only be able to install windows 8 on it unless you have a valid win 7 key.
reason for this is some lappys ship with the key installed in bios so when you click apply without putting in a new key for win 7 the win 8 key is automatically entered and will show up as invalid.

 

[Damonanom]

did windows 8 ship with your laptop/pc? if so you may only be able to install windows 8 on it unless you have a valid win 7 key.
reason for this is some lappys ship with the key installed in bios so when you click apply without putting in a new key for win 7 the win 8 key is automatically entered and will show up as invalid.

Its a desktop, Im installing it via USB as i dont have a disk. I have an old vista product key from my laptop which i have entered but it says that is invalid too.

 

[HEXiT]

all versions of windows have different keys mate. 1 from windows vista wont activate win 7.
if the pc is a prebuild it could also have a win 8 key in the bios. but if your gonna install win 7 you will need a win 7 key for the version you have. ie if you have win 7 pro you will need a win 7 pro key not ultimate or home basic.