how do I recover from pirated Windows XP?

[carroll]

I bought a computer over eBay that said Windows XP was
installed. When I received the computer, I went to the
Microsoft web site to down load updates and got the
message that "Service Pack 1 set up error: product key to
install Windows XP is invalid. Please
contact...retailer...immediately to obtain a valid product
key." So I think I bought a computer with a pirated copy
of Windows XP on it. (There is a sticker on the back of
the computer that says that Windows 98 is the OEM
operating system on the computer.) Can I buy a Windows XP
upgrade for it or must I buy Windows XP full installation?
Do I have to uninstall and reinstall Windows XP or can I
changed the registration number on the computer to match
the number of the legal Windows XP I buy without having to
reinstall it? By the way, I plan to report this
transaction to eBay, PayPal, Microsoft, etc.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Carroll;
Most likely you will not be able to use thje Product Key on the side
of the computer without a CD identical to what originally shipped with
the computer.
Thge affixed Product is worthless without the appropriate CD.

You can not use Upgrade anything because there is no qualifying
product.

You can Clean Installation any version of Windows that the computer is
compatible.

Does it fit this:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326904
If it does, you most likely have a pirated Windows XP Pro.
If it is pirated, you need to contact the seller and/or Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/default.asp
One of the features of Service Pack 1 is to detect pirated copies of
windows XP.
Also you have 3 options to become legal:
1. Go back to the previous OS:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=303661
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314052
This may or may not work depending on the installation options used.
2. Perform a Clean Install with the OS of your choice destroying ALL
data.
3. Purchase Windows XP Pro (Home will not work) and perform a Repair
Installation using the new valid key and CD:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

 

[ceedee]

as you dont physically own a w98 cd or licence then no
you cant use a upgrade on it
if you buy a full version of whatever is on it
you can just swap the reg key with the new one you receive
there are many programs about to do this for you
all easily found by searchin on google etc