getting a new valid key for xp pro

[jeremy123]

I bought a computer a couple of months ago. It came with XP pro installed,
but no CD or key was given to me. It worked fine, I got no errors with
activation, or windows genuine or anything like that. However, the harddrive
died, and I needed to install windows again on a new harddrive. I borrowed a
friends cd, it installed, but failed WGA. I don't mind buying a new license
and key, but I was wondering: I can get a discount through Microsoft employee
purchase program (EPP). Can I use that key (even though the page for
puchasing XP pro on EPP says 'version upgrade') to change my incorrect key
on the computer and validate windows? I don't want to have to wipe the hard
drive and reinstall, even though I do have real win 98 cds and keys.

thanks

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

A version upgrade pk will work as long as the XP Pro Windows media is retail
(upgrade or full edition should not matter). It will not work with an OEM
cd. EPP product keys are "retail" pk's so you will not have any problems in
that regard.

Perform a repair install and use the EPP pk. Postpone activation to give
yourself time to make sure you have a stable system that is free of malware.
If you have any doubts about the integrity of the system you installed, back
up your files and settings and do a clean installation. Since you have
Win98 cd's I don't see any problems in your doing all of this with an
upgrade edition product key. Personally I would do a clean install but you
may have reasons for not doing so unless absolutely neccessary.

You will have to visit Windows Update and bring the system back up to date
following a repair installation.