Illegal WinXP -> Legal version

[Levlg]

I catched an opportunity and bought a computer. But I was warned about
illegal version of Windows XP on the computer. Now I bought a retail version
Windows XP.

Is there a way to transform the illegal version into legal without
installation? Can I change some of system files and something in Registry
for that? What should I change? Is it possible to have problems during
following activation or genuine checking?

Thanks in advance

Lev

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

In

I catched an opportunity and bought a computer. But I was warned about
illegal version of Windows XP on the computer. Now I bought a retail
version Windows XP.

Is there a way to transform the illegal version into legal without
installation? Can I change some of system files and something in
Registry for that? What should I change? Is it possible to have
problems during following activation or genuine checking?

Thanks in advance

Lev

See http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5034890.html# and
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I catched an opportunity and bought a computer. But I was warned about
illegal version of Windows XP on the computer. Now I bought a retail
version Windows XP.

Is there a way to transform the illegal version into legal without
installation?

You've been told how, but my advice is not to do this. If I bought a used
computer, the first thing I would do with it would be to reinstall the
operating system cleanly. You have no idea how the computer has been
maintained, what has been installed incorrectly, what is missing, what
viruses and spyware there may be, etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody
else's mistakes and problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I
wouldn't recommend that anyone else do either.

 

[Ground Cover]

Agreed. If it is an illegal copy who knows what's been "slip-streamed" into
it. Just get rid of it and install a known-good legit copy clean.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

In

You've been told how, but my advice is not to do this. If I bought a
used computer, the first thing I would do with it would be to
reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea how the
computer has been maintained, what has been installed incorrectly,
what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be, etc. I
wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and problems,
possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend that
anyone else do either.

Good point, Ken.

 

[Plato]

Best bet is to wipe the drive to factory fresh and install the OS you
want to use.