Can I change the Product Key on Windows XP Professional?

[Bill Boylan]

Apparently I am using a "not-genuine" copy of Windows XP Professional. If I
buy a brand new copy of Windows XP will I be able to change the Product Key
of my present installation --- rather than go through the lengthy agony of
formatting my hard drive and reininstalling everything? The product I now
have installed is a corporate version of XP with a volume licensing key. The
product I intend to purchase will be a valid retail version. Please make me
happy. Can I change the product key instead of doing it the hard way???? I
hope, I hope, I hope! Any good advice will be appreciated.

Bill Boylan

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

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

Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&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

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Apparently I am using a "not-genuine" copy of Windows XP Professional. If I
| buy a brand new copy of Windows XP will I be able to change the Product Key
| of my present installation --- rather than go through the lengthy agony of
| formatting my hard drive and reininstalling everything? The product I now
| have installed is a corporate version of XP with a volume licensing key. The
| product I intend to purchase will be a valid retail version. Please make me
| happy. Can I change the product key instead of doing it the hard way???? I
| hope, I hope, I hope! Any good advice will be appreciated.
|
| Bill Boylan

 

[Bill Boylan]

Thanks, Mr. Frisch. Looks like I've got some work to do.

Bill Boylan

 

[Bill Boylan]

Attention:Mr. Frisch! Thanks for your help. The plot thickens. Now I have
another question.

I have a choice of whether to get the regular new Windows XP Professional
(Single User) installation disk or "Windows XP Professional with SP2 (Single
User) ISO Image."

Is there any way I can use the "ISO Image" for a "Repair Install?" Or should
I just settle for the conventional installation disk?

Thanks, Bill Boylan

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You need the regular new Windows XP Professional
(Single User) installation disk.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:
=
| Attention: Mr. Frisch! Thanks for your help. The plot thickens. Now I have
| another question.
|
| I have a choice of whether to get the regular new Windows XP Professional
| (Single User) installation disk or "Windows XP Professional with SP2 (Single
| User) ISO Image."
|
| Is there any way I can use the "ISO Image" for a "Repair Install?" Or should
| I just settle for the conventional installation disk?
|
| Thanks, Bill Boylan