Can I upgrade my Windows XP Product Key without re-installing Wind

[Guest]

The authentication tool indicated that my copy of Windows XP professional is
not legal. I purchased a license from the internet. Is there a way to update
my Product Key with out having to re-install Windows XP.

The version I purchased is for clean install only and I cannot lose the
applications and data that are contained on this pc.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No, you cannot simply change the Product Key.
Using your new Windows XP CD and Product Key,
you'll need to perform a "repair install".

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

Note: If you did not get a new Windows XP CD with
the new Product Key, you are out of luck until you get
the new Windows XP CD that goes with the Product Key.

The purchase of a OEM Windows XP Product Key without
the corresponding Windows XP CD is not legal.

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

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:

| The authentication tool indicated that my copy of Windows XP professional is
| not legal. I purchased a license from the internet. Is there a way to update
| my Product Key with out having to re-install Windows XP.
|
| The version I purchased is for clean install only and I cannot lose the
| applications and data that are contained on this pc.

 

[DL]

<I cannot lose the applications and data that are contained on this pc.>
So what do you do when the hd fails?