How to install new product key without formating

[Guest]

I have a legimate copy of on winxp pro sp2 that I want to install to replace
the inauthentic version presently on my computer. I don't want to format. I
found a solution that tells me to change the registry and it was written
before SP1.(I am using sp2) so I am nervous to do that. The only Microsoft
article close to this problem is 810892 and I dont have the "activate
windows" option as noted in paragraph 1.

Can I just deinstall Windows and reinstall with the legimate copy? Will that
change the product key? (I purchased a defective copy of Windows XP that
took a year and a half to get replaced )

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll have to perform a repair install using
the new Windows XP w/SP2 CD and Product Key.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

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

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

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

:

| I have a legimate copy of on winxp pro sp2 that I want to install to replace
| the inauthentic version presently on my computer. I don't want to format. I
| found a solution that tells me to change the registry and it was written
| before SP1.(I am using sp2) so I am nervous to do that. The only Microsoft
| article close to this problem is 810892 and I dont have the "activate
| windows" option as noted in paragraph 1.
|
| Can I just deinstall Windows and reinstall with the legimate copy? Will that
| change the product key? (I purchased a defective copy of Windows XP that
| took a year and a half to get replaced )

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your reply. I will try all that and let you know if it was
successful.

 

[Glen]

Why not use "Magical Jellybean Keyfinder" and use its key changer tool to
change the key?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Why not use "Magical Jellybean Keyfinder" and use its key changer tool to
change the key?

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 CD types cannot be mixed & matched.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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both at once. - RAH

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have a legimate copy of on winxp pro sp2 that I want to install to replace
the inauthentic version presently on my computer. I don't want to format. I
found a solution that tells me to change the registry and it was written
before SP1.(I am using sp2) so I am nervous to do that. The only Microsoft
article close to this problem is 810892 and I dont have the "activate
windows" option as noted in paragraph 1.

Can I just deinstall Windows and reinstall with the legimate copy

That method is not going to work for you. Do a 'Repair reinstall'. 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. But Updates will have to be run again,
though there will not be many as you have an SP2 level CD. You will
be putting in the new Product Key that came with the good CD, and will
have to activate again by phoning in.

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

 

[Michael Stevens]

Thank you for your reply. I will try all that and let you know if it
was successful.

Try this first.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
I need to change my XP Product KEY #18
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#18
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

You'll have to perform a repair install using
the new Windows XP w/SP2 CD and Product Key.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

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

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

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

I have a legimate copy of on winxp pro sp2 that I want to install
to replace the inauthentic version presently on my computer. I
don't want to format. I found a solution that tells me to change
the registry and it was written before SP1.(I am using sp2) so I am
nervous to do that. The only Microsoft article close to this
problem is 810892 and I dont have the "activate windows" option as
noted in paragraph 1.

Can I just deinstall Windows and reinstall with the legimate copy?
Will that change the product key? (I purchased a defective copy
of Windows XP that took a year and a half to get replaced )

 

[Paul]

Try this first.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
I need to change my XP Product KEY #18
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#18
--

I believe this utility will do it......

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/rockxp.html