registration problem

I tried to register my avast 4 antivirus program with the license key sent to me by email.
I checked several times that I had entered the correct numbers and letters yet I received
the pop up saying “invalid license key”
Any help or info would be appreciated.
Thank you

Welcome!

What is the error message?
Is your system date/time correct?
Do you use copy & paste method?
Are you sure you do not include the ‘last blank space’ in the paragraph while copying & pasting?
Which avast version are you trying to register (Home or Professional)?

Are both Avast as well as the key from this year?

Thank you all for replying
I am using Avast 4.5 on a windows xp operating system
I just downloaded the program this past week so I assume it is a
current program.
the message is “invalid license key” but it is exactly what was sent to me
via email.
and I did not paste it in but rather directly entered it.

Try copy & paste, just ensure that there is no trailing space after the key.