Changing the Product Key

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alan R
  • Start date Start date
A

Alan R

I have just bought a second hand computer with Windows XP
and found after a copy of months running that I have an
illegal copy of XP loaded and therefore can not get
updates. I have bought a new version and would like to
change the product key without going through reloading
Windows and hence losing my files, drivers and wireless
settings (which I found very difficult to get going).

Can anyone help?
 
1st get back with that person who sold that box.....prob was your brother in
law, eh...never fails...
 
If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update to SP1:

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

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

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

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


|I have just bought a second hand computer with Windows XP
| and found after a copy of months running that I have an
| illegal copy of XP loaded and therefore can not get
| updates. I have bought a new version and would like to
| change the product key without going through reloading
| Windows and hence losing my files, drivers and wireless
| settings (which I found very difficult to get going).
|
| Can anyone help?
 
Greetings --

Thanks, but that method will work _only_ if the OP were trying to
change from one VL Product Key to another VL Product Key.

The OP is trying to replace a pirated VL version with a _retail_
license. The Product Keys are not interchangeable.

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 CDs 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
 
Back
Top