can I load a legal version over an unregistered version

[FireBrick]

I purchased a used computer that I was assured had a legal version of WinXP
pro.
I soon found that after I'd loaded my programs to it, that I could not
process updates as I kept getting a message that it would not install the
updates.

Now I do have a legal paid for version. It was on the computer that died and
was replaced with this used computer.

ALL MY SOFTWARE IS PAID FOR AND REGISTERABLE.

So basically my question is....how would I go about running this paid for
version to correct/override the apparently not registerable version.

I should have checked before installing all my programs and adjusting my
settings and I really don't want to go through all that process again.

Can I just run my paid for version that was previously installed and
registered on a now dead computer????

please and thank you.



--

 

[Alias]

I purchased a used computer that I was assured had a legal version of WinXP
pro.
I soon found that after I'd loaded my programs to it, that I could not
process updates as I kept getting a message that it would not install the
updates.

Now I do have a legal paid for version. It was on the computer that died and
was replaced with this used computer.

ALL MY SOFTWARE IS PAID FOR AND REGISTERABLE.

So basically my question is....how would I go about running this paid for
version to correct/override the apparently not registerable version.

I should have checked before installing all my programs and adjusting my
settings and I really don't want to go through all that process again.

Can I just run my paid for version that was previously installed and
registered on a now dead computer????

please and thank you.

Assuming that the version on the machine is the same version as the new
one, just do a repair installation and all your programs, settings, etc.
should remain intact.

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I purchased a used computer that I was assured had a legal version of WinXP
pro.
I soon found that after I'd loaded my programs to it, that I could not
process updates as I kept getting a message that it would not install the
updates.

Now I do have a legal paid for version. It was on the computer that died and
was replaced with this used computer.

ALL MY SOFTWARE IS PAID FOR AND REGISTERABLE.

So basically my question is....how would I go about running this paid for
version to correct/override the apparently not registerable version.

I should have checked before installing all my programs and adjusting my
settings and I really don't want to go through all that process again.

Can I just run my paid for version that was previously installed and
registered on a now dead computer????

please and thank you.

With second-hand computers, especially if acquired from strangers
but perhaps even if acquired from a family member, your wisest course
of action would probably 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.

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.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and a _legitimate_ retail or OEM full 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/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

You should also report whomever sold you this license to your local
law enforcement agencies; you've been defrauded.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? .... I know not what course others may take, but as
for me, give me liberty, or give me death! -Patrick Henry

 

[John Barnett MVP]

You should be able to do a repair install. For details of a repair install
visit my website http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org click the Win XP Faq
button and take a look at question 55

It's amazing how easy it is to say, 'sure, of course the software is legal'
simply to get a sale. It isn't until you get to the genuine advantage setup
on the windows update site that you find, to your horror, that all is not as
it seems.

Another interesting sideline is thehere you can purchase OEM copies of
Windows XP. OEM copies should only be supplied with a newly built PC and
should come from the PC manufacturer. If you go out and buy an OEM copy of
Windows XP it will install okay and it will activate okay. The only problem
is when you try changing any hardware. It is then that the block comes down
and, after calling microsoft activation, you politely get told 'sorry your
copy can't be activated because it is an OEM copy' As the saying goes
'caveat emptor' (Buyer Beware!) If you are going to buy software but retail
versions 'not' OEM

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..

 

[Alias]

John Barnett MVP wrote:

If you go out and buy an OEM copy of

Windows XP it will install okay and it will activate okay. The only problem
is when you try changing any hardware. It is then that the block comes down
and, after calling microsoft activation, you politely get told 'sorry your
copy can't be activated because it is an OEM copy' As the saying goes
'caveat emptor' (Buyer Beware!) If you are going to buy software but retail
versions 'not' OEM

False. This is only true of DEll/HP type OEMs. Generic OEMs will
activate no problem even if you, gasp!, change the motherboard. In
Spain, where I live, you cannot buy a full retail version anywhere and
all the retail computer stores only carry generic OEMs, so you were saying?

You're just another MVP like Carey Fritch who tries to scare newbies
into buying retail. Either that or you're merely ill informed.

Alias

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Totally Wrong! I have just, only yesterday, been dealing with Microsoft
regarding such an issue of them (Microsoft) not being able to activate a OEM
copy for a user that contacted me. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my
comments stand and i stand with them.

As for Carey, while i respect her views, i am not in the scaremongering
market. I, and every other MVP, including Carey, have no reason to make
Microsoft out as the 'good guy'. We are totally independant and Microsoft
have no influence over our views. If Microsoft attempted to influence my
views i, again like most MVPs, would gladly relinquish the MVP title.


--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..

 

[Tom [Pepper] Willett]

Carey should be please to know you have changed *his* gender ;-)

Tom

As for Carey, while i respect her views, i am not in the scaremongering
market. I, and every other MVP, including Carey, have no reason to make
Microsoft out as the 'good guy'. We are totally independant and Microsoft
have no influence over our views. If Microsoft attempted to influence my
views i, again like most MVPs, would gladly relinquish the MVP title.


--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of
the use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
post..

 

[Alias]

Totally Wrong! I have just, only yesterday, been dealing with Microsoft
regarding such an issue of them (Microsoft) not being able to activate a OEM
copy for a user that contacted me. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my
comments stand and i stand with them.

What kind of OEM, generic or branded? And why did it need activating?
Can you provide some proof of this besides hear say?

As for Carey, while i respect her views, i am not in the scaremongering
market. I, and every other MVP, including Carey, have no reason to make
Microsoft out as the 'good guy'. We are totally independant and Microsoft
have no influence over our views. If Microsoft attempted to influence my
views i, again like most MVPs, would gladly relinquish the MVP title.

"Her" views?

Alias

 

[Alias]

Totally Wrong! I have just, only yesterday, been dealing with Microsoft
regarding such an issue of them (Microsoft) not being able to activate a OEM
copy for a user that contacted me. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my
comments stand and i stand with them.

I read this twice and, for the life of me, I can't find where it says
that generic OEMs can't be reactivated:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx

Do you have a more recent, credible source?

Alias

 

[Guest]

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

 

[John Barnett MVP]

My apologies to Carey for changing his sex. I don't know Carey personally i
am only aware of 'him' through the newsgroups. I am aware that he gets some
undeserved criticism for his comments, which is a shame considering, like
me, he is only trying to help others!

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..

Carey should be please to know you have changed *his* gender ;-)

Tom

 

[Alias]

My apologies to Carey for changing his sex. I don't know Carey personally i
am only aware of 'him' through the newsgroups. I am aware that he gets some
undeserved criticism for his comments, which is a shame considering, like
me, he is only trying to help others!

And your apology for posting an ill informed message is where?

Alias

 

[Talahasee]

My apologies to Carey for changing his sex. I don't know Carey personally i
am only aware of 'him' through the newsgroups. I am aware that he gets some
undeserved criticism for his comments, which is a shame considering, like
me, he is only trying to help others!

I wish some other "MVP"s had your attitude.

I have only come in here with the best of intentions, to get
help, and to offer help where I could, yet some of the "MVP"
crowd have now declared me "persona non grata" as I seem in
their eyes not as qualified as they are.

I thought we were ALL in here to share our knowledge.

And SOMETIMES, it IS the easiest solution to-- instead of
spending DAYS trying to get your sound to work (or
whatever), to backup and repartition, reformat, and
reinstall.

As my tech says (a systems engineer), "there's nothing like
a fresh, clean install!"

regards!

Tallahassee

 

[John Barnett MVP]

My apology for posting an 'ill informed' message is where it should be - in
the litter bin! The message was NOT and IS NOT ill informed. As soon as i
have the necessary research information that i requested from Microsoft i
will be putting together an article on my website regarding purchasing OEM
software.
The one thing i 'do not' do, Alias, is answer to you, and the sooner you get
that into your head the better. I take exception to being branded a 'liar'
especially by someone who hides behind anonymity. The apology should come
from you, not me; but then again you are obviously not brave enough for that
either!
And please don't 'goude' me with flaming because you will get no reply. My
position has been made clear. I stand by what i originally posted. That, my
friend, is the end of the story!

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Talahasee, We are all here to share our knowledge. Some, obviously, have
more knowledge than others and, without these people, the newsgroups would
be a poorer place.

Every MVP has his/her own way of dealing with specific situations but, on
the issue of reformat and re-installing, i have to agree with you. One has
to remember that the newsgroup 'picks' the brains of many people whereas, in
a one to one situation, pondering for two or three days trying to solve a
problem is far from economic. It is at these times, when a user is screaming
for help and no one can provide it, that it really is simpler to say
re-install.

I haven't used the 're-install' statement very often, but there have been
instances where re-installing was the only solution. And, yes, your tech
does have a point - there is nothing like a fresh, clean install.


--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..





--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any kind,
either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this post. The Author shall not be liable for any
direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use
of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this post..

 

[Alias]

My apology for posting an 'ill informed' message is where it should be - in
the litter bin! The message was NOT and IS NOT ill informed.

Source please.

As soon as i

have the necessary research information that i requested from Microsoft i
will be putting together an article on my website regarding purchasing OEM
software.

Source please, your website doesn't count.

The one thing i 'do not' do, Alias, is answer to you, and the sooner you get
that into your head the better.

Tsk, tsk, an insult.

I take exception to being branded a 'liar'
especially by someone who hides behind anonymity.

Until you can prove what you say, and based on the url
(http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx ) I gave you from,
one can only conclude that you are ill informed. I did not call you a
liar, although your saying that I did when I didn't is? Who I am is not
material to the discussion.

The apology should come
from you, not me; but then again you are obviously not brave enough for that
either!

LOL! Care for some cheese with your whine? Let's see the proof, not your
back pedaling and name calling. Can you do it?

And please don't 'goude' me with flaming because you will get no reply.

You have no proof?

My
position has been made clear. I stand by what i originally posted. That, my
friend, is the end of the story!

Still waiting for a reliable source other than your word.

Alias