Hi. I have xp pro and found out when I tried to dowload
sp1 that it is not a legal copy! Can I buy and upgrade of
an authentic version and just install it or do I need to
uninstall etc., etc? What if I want to use xp HOME
instead (it is cheaper than xp pro)? thanks

If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update:

You receive a "The product key used to install Windows is invalid" error message
http://support.microsoft.com/default...&Product=winxp

You'll have to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and perform a "Repair Install" using the new Windows XP Pro CD and Product Key
that comes with it. (You cannot simply change the Product Key)

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Is Your Copy of Windows Legal?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/h...s/default.mspx

Windows XP Home Edition cannot be used to perform a repair install.
It must be installed "clean" on a reformatted drive.

Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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"jn" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message:
news:29a9301c46659$c3be07f0$(E-Mail Removed)...

| Hi. I have xp pro and found out when I tried to dowload
| sp1 that it is not a legal copy! Can I buy and upgrade of
| an authentic version and just install it or do I need to
| uninstall etc., etc? What if I want to use xp HOME
| instead (it is cheaper than xp pro)? thanks

jn wrote:
> Hi. I have xp pro and found out when I tried to dowload
> sp1 that it is not a legal copy! Can I buy and upgrade of
> an authentic version and just install it or do I need to
> uninstall etc., etc? What if I want to use xp HOME
> instead (it is cheaper than xp pro)? thanks

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Change CD key.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need2
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(E-Mail Removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outloo...snewreader.htm