changing activation product key

[Guest]

this isnt an illegal question..


i have a retail copy of Windows XP Home, ver. 2001 (no SP's). I just
upgraded another computer using this version, and I obviously can't activate
it. In the activation menu, it allows me to change the Product Key (Click the
"activate windows" tooltip >> activate over phone >> change product key.)

if i buy a new copy of windows xp (I'm looking at a Windows XP Sp2 retail
copy) if I enter that product key, then try to activate, will it work? I'd
rather not format/install again, so I'm thinking that this would be the
easiest way.

thanks for any input.

 

[Glen]

Download and run "Magical jellybean Keyfinder". It will allow you to see
the key used on that installation and will allow you to change it.
http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-6270-5035012.html

 

[Bruce Chambers]

this isnt an illegal question..

I'm not aware of any "question" that is illegal, at least in most
civilized nations.

i have a retail copy of Windows XP Home, ver. 2001 (no SP's). I just
upgraded another computer using this version, and I obviously can't activate
it. In the activation menu, it allows me to change the Product Key (Click the
"activate windows" tooltip >> activate over phone >> change product key.)

if i buy a new copy of windows xp (I'm looking at a Windows XP Sp2 retail
copy) if I enter that product key, then try to activate, will it work? I'd
rather not format/install again, so I'm thinking that this would be the
easiest way.

This may not work, unfortunately. The differing service pack levels
between the installation and the new CD/license are likely to cause the
OS to read the Product Key of the newer version as invalid. 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 won't work for any retail version
of WinXP Home, 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.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Guest]

bruce...

what if I used an XP upgrade CD, and buy windows XP home upgrade?

(basically, i used the update edition to install XP on this computer, and i
plan to buy the upgrade to activate windows with the new legit license.)

 

[Bruce Chambers]

bruce...

what if I used an XP upgrade CD, and buy windows XP home upgrade?

(basically, i used the update edition to install XP on this computer, and i
plan to buy the upgrade to activate windows with the new legit license.)

If you use purchase the same version as you used to perform the
installation, the Product Key should work. If there is any difference
between the CD used to perform the installation and the new CD you buy,
such as service pack level, it may not work.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Guest]

i tried it, but it wont work on the computer.. works fine on my other
computer though. maybe its because i havent activated the key yet.