How to use purchased CD key to validate installed copy

[Guest]

My XP Pro SP2 failed validation test at Windows Update. So I went out and
purchased a genuine copy. How do I validate without loosing any installed
programmes or files?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My XP Pro SP2 failed validation test at Windows Update. So I went
out and purchased a genuine copy. How do I validate without loosing
any installed programmes or files?

Guaranteed? No way I know of other than the steps below AFTER backing up
everything in case it goes bad - then you could reinstall if it does.

Relatively sure?

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

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

 

[Daniel Crichton]

webbadger wrote on Fri, 10 Feb 2006 00:39:28 -0800:

My XP Pro SP2 failed validation test at Windows Update. So I went out and
purchased a genuine copy. How do I validate without loosing any installed
programmes or files?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874/en-us

Using the above process will only change the product ID and get you
activated, you will not lose anything. This process also works with SP2.

Dan

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My XP Pro SP2 failed validation test at Windows Update. So I went
out and purchased a genuine copy. How do I validate without
loosing any installed programmes or files?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874/en-us

Using the above process will only change the product ID and get you
activated, you will not lose anything. This process also works with
SP2.

Daniel,

That process assumes (and only works) if you are changing from one Volume
License key to another.. Which is RARELY the case when this question is
asked.

 

[Daniel Crichton]

Shenan wrote on Fri, 10 Feb 2006 06:40:07 -0600:

Daniel,

That process assumes (and only works) if you are changing from one Volume
License key to another.. Which is RARELY the case when this question is
asked.

I'm pretty sure it allows changing a VLK to a retail ID too. The OP likely
has a leaked or generated VLK, so he will be changing from a VLK to a retail
one.

Dan

 

[Daniel Crichton]

Daniel wrote to Shenan Stanley on Fri, 10 Feb 2006 12:53:43 -0000:

Shenan wrote on Fri, 10 Feb 2006 06:40:07 -0600:


I'm pretty sure it allows changing a VLK to a retail ID too. The OP likely
has a leaked or generated VLK, so he will be changing from a VLK to a
retail one.

Dan

Hmm, a bit of research indicates that a VLK cannot be changed to retail
using that method, so I stand corrected.

Dan