How to apply Product Key to Win XP SP2 in my computer

[Guest]

After having Microsoft reject all my attempts at downloading new features as
"using a pirated copy" of my O/S, I purchased a (hopefully!) valid Product
Key from an established retailer. But all I got with my Product Key was an
endless bilingual EULA, but no instructions that I can use, for applying
orinstalling this Product Key into my system. Please help me out.

 

[Larry Samuels]

Product keys are not available separately from retailers--you have been had.

--
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from
Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for
support calls that are associated with security updates
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Glen]

The OP probably means the serial.

Download Magic Jellybean and use it to change the serial.

Magic Jellybean
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml.

 

[Harry Ohrn]

Did you also get a Windows XP CD with this Product Key? You should have. If
so run a Repair Install using Michael's instructions here
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Yves Leclerc]

The OP probably means the serial.

Download Magic Jellybean and use it to change the serial.

Magic Jellybean
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml.

Most "pirated" versions of XP are based on "Volume License" versions of XP.
You can not just "change" the pirated key to a valid Retail/OEM key. You need
to do a proper repair re-install on top of the installed pirated version.
This will "replace" the software controls/settings from 'Volume License" to
the correct version that you now have (Retail or OEM.)


BTW: You need to have an original copy of the XP installation CD that matches
you new CD key.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

After having Microsoft reject all my attempts at downloading new features as
"using a pirated copy" of my O/S, I purchased a (hopefully!) valid Product
Key from an established retailer. But all I got with my Product Key was an
endless bilingual EULA, but no instructions that I can use, for applying
orinstalling this Product Key into my system. Please help me out.

You need more than a new Product Key; you'll need an installation CD to
go with it.

If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:

The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and a _legitimate_ retail or OEM full license
of WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation,
using the new CDs and Product Keys.

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

You should also report whomever sold you this license to your local
law enforcement agencies; you've been defrauded. You should also report
whomever sold you a Product Key without an accompanying installation CD
to your local law enforcement agencies; you've been defrauded again.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

 

[Larry Samuels]

Hi Glen,
Magical Jellybean reveals the product key, not the serial number.
Product keys are not available from retailers except with the purchase of
the corresponding media. The sale of stand-alone COAs is illegal

--
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from
Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for
support calls that are associated with security updates
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Glen]

Magic jellybean is used to change the serial that's used to install Windows.

 

[Larry Samuels]

Hi Glen,

Yes, it can be used to change the *product key* , not the serial number. The
serial number is not used to install windows--it is generated during the
install.

Product keys are in the xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx format.
Serial numbers are in the xxxxx-xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx format.

--
Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from
Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for
support calls that are associated with security updates
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-