Can I use OEM XP Pro to do in-place upgrade on a retail XP Pro?

[Guest]

Hi, I bought a 2nd hand computer quite a long time ago. I only realised when
i try to upgrade the SP2 that i have a pirated XP Pro. Question i like to ask
is

1. Can I use an OEM version to do in-place upgrade on an existing retail
pirated XP Pro?
2. Can I use OEM product key to change the product key of existing pirate XP
Pro using the regedit?
3. Can I use any Original XP Pro, for eg. XP Pro 1a or OEM version to change
the product key using regedit or should i use the XP pro version that is
running in the comp?

 

[Guest]

1. If you want to break the law, yes.
2. If you want to break the law, yes.
3. If you want to break the law, yes.

To get a legitimate copy of XP running you need to obtain a FULL RETAIL
VERSION of XP Home or XP Pro.

To perform an 'Upgrade' use a FULL retail version of XP Pro and run a REPAIR
installation.

To use a FULL retail version of XP Home, reformat the hard drive and install
XP Home.

Any other solution is like a camel left ....: not fair and not right.

 

[Guest]

1.Why is it breaking the law when i'm using ORIGINAL VERSION althought its OEM?

 

[Kerry Brown]

1. Can I use an OEM version to do in-place upgrade on an existing retail

pirated XP Pro?

Don't think it will work. OEM version will complain and only do a clean
install not an in place upgrade.

2. Can I use OEM product key to change the product key of existing pirate
XP
Pro using the regedit?

Yes, using some 3rd party programs, but Windows activation may complain and
you may have problems reactivating as the versions don't match.

3. Can I use any Original XP Pro, for eg. XP Pro 1a or OEM version to
change
the product key using regedit or should i use the XP pro version that is
running in the comp?

See above.

Only thing that will do an in place upgrade for sure is the full retail XP
Pro. If you have the time and knowledge the cheapest Microsoft approved
(almost said legal here but didn't want to start another flame war) method
would be to get a OEM XP Pro, backup your existing data, format and install
the OEM version.

Kerry Brown
KDB Systems

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

Hi, I bought a 2nd hand computer quite a long time ago. I only
realised when i try to upgrade the SP2 that i have a pirated XP Pro.
Question i like to ask is

1. Can I use an OEM version to do in-place upgrade on an existing
retail pirated XP Pro?
2. Can I use OEM product key to change the product key of existing
pirate XP Pro using the regedit?
3. Can I use any Original XP Pro, for eg. XP Pro 1a or OEM version to
change the product key using regedit or should i use the XP pro
version that is running in the comp?

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
I need to change my XP Product KEY #18 on the FAQ list
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi, I bought a 2nd hand computer quite a long time ago. I only realised when
i try to upgrade the SP2 that i have a pirated XP Pro. Question i like to ask
is

1. Can I use an OEM version to do in-place upgrade on an existing retail
pirated XP Pro?

Probably not, but I've never tried. OEM CDs are specifically designed
to perform clean installations, but can also be used to repair OEM
installations. So it might work; wait to hear a definitive answer from
someone who knows for sure.

2. Can I use OEM product key to change the product key of existing pirate XP
Pro using the regedit?

No. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and language of
CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with which they are
purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key (which is what you
have)won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home (which is what your
friend has), or for any version of WinXP Pro, and vice versa. An
upgrade's Product Key cannot be used with a full version CD, and vice
versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to install a retail product.
An Italian Product Key will not work with an English CD. Bottom line:
Product Keys and CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

3. Can I use any Original XP Pro, for eg. XP Pro 1a or OEM version to change
the product key using regedit or should i use the XP pro version that is
running in the comp?

You need to use you new WinXP installation CD and the Product Key that
came with it.


--

Bruce Chambers

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