Help! How to transfer valid upgrade XP Pro license from disk to PC w/blacklisted key?

[plh]

Hello Everyone,
I recently bought I used Gateway with a W98 sticker on the side, that has been
upgraded to XP Pro. It turns out that the XP Pro product key on the Gateway is
one of those blacklisted keys listed on the Microsoft site.
I have an unused XP Pro Update disk. Presumambly already at SP1. I'll look when
I get home. Anyway, I whould like to replace the bogus license with my unused
legit one, so that I can get security updates, etc. How can I use my valid XP
Pro license to take the place of the invalid one? My understanding is that just
doing a re-install with the update disk on the Gateway may not do the trick.
What, if any, are the downside risks of trying? (The PC is, after all, workable
at this point. I'd hate to go to the trouble only to end up with a non-workable
computer.)
Furthermore:
The guy (form whom I bought it) is a licensed Windows reseller. Is he
obligated to check for pirated installations such as this before selling a
used computer?
-plh

 

[jeff4379]

If you insert your upgrade disk, and boot from it...select install WindowsXP
but select repair an existing installation. This should reinstall the
system files and then prompt you for the install key. You will have to
reinstall all of the updates since your disk was published, but it should
sucessfully change your install key. (this will not delete any programs or
personal files)


Jeff

 

[Alex Nichol]

I recently bought I used Gateway with a W98 sticker on the side, that has been
upgraded to XP Pro. It turns out that the XP Pro product key on the Gateway is
one of those blacklisted keys listed on the Microsoft site.
I have an unused XP Pro Update disk. Presumambly already at SP1. I'll look when
I get home. Anyway, I whould like to replace the bogus license with my unused
legit one, so that I can get security updates, etc. How can I use my valid XP
Pro license to take the place of the invalid one? My understanding is that just
doing a re-install with the update disk on the Gateway may not do the trick.

Do a repair reinstall, using your new disk and its legit key when asked.
Set the BIOS to boot CD before Hard disk, then boot the XP CD, start
Setup (do not take 'Repair' at this stage), then after the license
agreement take 'Repair Installation'. This will retain your existing
software installations and most settings. Gateway use very standard
hardware (unlike say Compaq) so this should give no trouble. You will
then find it needs activating, and will probably have to do that by
phoning in from the
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate Windows -
activate on the phone

Always back up essential data before doing any major system operation
like this, if you are still in a position to do so