Was my copy of Windows XP previously registered?

[Chuck9079]

I would like to know if there is a way to
1: find out if a copy of Windows XP was previously registered, and
2: Check for a legal copy of Windows
without actually trying to install the software in my machine. Is there any
way to check the numbers beforehand and avoid the trauma to my computer if
the software is bogus?

 

[Jim]

I would like to know if there is a way to
1: find out if a copy of Windows XP was previously registered, and
2: Check for a legal copy of Windows
without actually trying to install the software in my machine. Is there any
way to check the numbers beforehand and avoid the trauma to my computer if
the software is bogus?

If it`s in a plastic cover , it should have a hologram on it .

 

[Malke]

I would like to know if there is a way to
1: find out if a copy of Windows XP was previously registered, and
2: Check for a legal copy of Windows
without actually trying to install the software in my machine. Is there
any way to check the numbers beforehand and avoid the trauma to my
computer if the software is bogus?

No, sorry - unless the install CD is an obvious fake.

Piracy - http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx
Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation -
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/
MS piracy site - http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/

Malke

 

[Chuck9079]

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid this was the case. It's a pity there's no
way to tell if someone is selling you a "virgin" DVD or a previously
registered copy, or worse, a bootleg without actually going through the
process. The copy I'm running now was a clever bootleg which Microsoft made
legal for me at a cost of $70 after I had installed it and found it was
bogus.

 

[Malke]

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid this was the case. It's a pity there's
no way to tell if someone is selling you a "virgin" DVD or a previously
registered copy, or worse, a bootleg without actually going through the
process. The copy I'm running now was a clever bootleg which Microsoft
made legal for me at a cost of $70 after I had installed it and found it
was bogus.

The best way to insure your Windows operating system installation media is
genuine is to purchase it from a reputable online or brick-and-mortar
source such as NewEgg or Amazon or Office Depot, etc. This doesn't include
eBay, CraigsList, or a garage sale.

Malke