Changing license number for XP

[John]

I purchased a computer with XP on it and the updates
would not run because the license was not valid. I
purchased a licensed copy and want to know if there is
anyway to update the license number for XP without having
to re-install the system. This way my machine will be
legal and I will be entitled to all of the updates.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

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

Is Your Copy of Windows Legal?
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/windows/default.mspx

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

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

----------------------------------------------------------------------


|I purchased a computer with XP on it and the updates
| would not run because the license was not valid. I
| purchased a licensed copy and want to know if there is
| anyway to update the license number for XP without having
| to re-install the system. This way my machine will be
| legal and I will be entitled to all of the updates.

 

[Jeff]

there is most definitely a way of changing the key of a
windows installation without reinstalling. anyone able
to use google can find it. im not sure how legal it is,
but look hard enough and you will find out how to do so.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No, you cannot simply change the Product Key unless
your purchase a Volume License version (min. 5 licenses).
The pirated version of Windows XP Pro is a "Volume License"
version and neither a "Retail" or "OEM" Product Key can
be used since the Volume License version will reject it as
being invalid.

How to change the Volume Licensing product key on a Windows XP SP1-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=328874

You receive a "The product key used to install Windows is invalid" error message
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&Product=winxp

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

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| there is most definitely a way of changing the key of a
| windows installation without reinstalling. anyone able
| to use google can find it. im not sure how legal it is,
| but look hard enough and you will find out how to do so.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jeff;
The difference you are overlooking here is they are most likely
different versions.
The illegal installation is probably a Volume License stolen Product
Key.
The new is most likely a retail Windows XP Pro.
A Repair Installation is needed since they are two different versions.

If that is not the scenario involved, the OP needs to post back with
details.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

You need to use your legitimate full retail copy of WinXP Pro to
perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation, using the new
CD and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



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having both at once. - RAH

 

[Michael Stevens]

I purchased a computer with XP on it and the updates
would not run because the license was not valid. I
purchased a licensed copy and want to know if there is
anyway to update the license number for XP without having
to re-install the system. This way my machine will be
legal and I will be entitled to all of the updates.

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Change CD key.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need2
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
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