peter wrote:
> I bought my mother an old pc at a computer fair for wordprocessing and
> internet browsing. Of course, now we keep getting the message saying
> that the version of xp is a copy and so this means we can't get
> windows updates. Is there a way of getting rid of the windows warning?
> Is there an alternative site for updates (she's still on IE6!)?
>
> Peter
>
If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:
The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;en-us;Q326904
You need to purchase and a _legitimate_ retail or OEM *full* (not
upgrade) license of WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place
upgrade) installation, using the new CDs and Product Keys.
How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directo...;EN-US;Q315341
Anyway, with second-hand computers, especially if acquired from
strangers but perhaps even if acquired from a family member or friend,
your wisest course of action would definitely be to format the hard
drives and start fresh. You don't want to get in trouble because the
original owner may have filled the hard drive with kiddie porn, or have
problems because the original owner downloaded/installed viruses or
other malware.
--
Bruce Chambers
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