install new copy of xp on system with xp pro that can't be validat

[congoes girl]

cliff notes version. Purchased brand new pc for daughter with xp pro
installed from a guy who runs his bussiness from his home. After purchase &
collection of pc I realised we couldn't validate xp pro. Turns out he used
his old copy of xp pro on pc's he sells & so we cannot validate ours as he
has already validated this copy on another pc. Had row with rip off man & he
said tough. This has left us with new pc. but only XP pro that we cannot
update with nessaccery updates, ie. IE7. ECT. I realise I m going to have to
buy a copy of xp, but am unsure how to install it. My daughter prefers XP to
the new vista so I will need to buy XP. Is this an easy thing to do & are
there any easy to follow guides on how to do this. Also Is there any where to
report this man to as it looks like microsoft will only take reports on shops
for doing what he has done. Many thanx

 

[AJR]

Microsoft provides a means of validating illegal XP.

Microaoft will provide a valid product key (at cost) to validate the
installed XP - inaddition you will receive a XP CD. Check on-line.

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

If you already have the old xp setup disk, all you need is the Product Key.
When you run the activation dialog, (always available from safe mode), there
is a way to 'phone in'. This lets you put in a new Key. Stop the activation
(no phone needed), restart, and activate normally.
That said, the only real problem is finding the cheapest or easiest way to
buy the disk and key, or just the key. (I would spring for the disk, this guy
was a flake and may not have given you the real deal)
How to buy Windows XP Professional:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/default.mspx
After you have it all activated, run a Repair setup with the disk. Be sure
you have Pro Edition, not 'tablet edition' or 'media center edition' To
determine your version, go to start/run, and type:
WINVER

Product Key Update Tool:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/PkuInstructions.aspx?displayLang=en

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

You're doing great. Feel good that you didn't let it beat you. The disk and
key will probably be around 80 bucks. It won't be that hard to do.

 

[congoes girl]

Many thanx, I don't have the disk, all I got was new pc & I stupidly fell for
a seemingly good salesman who led me to believe I was getting something
great, when it was delivered after I'd paid I saw there was no disc so
assumed it had the recovery disc on the pc like my pc has. I only realised
what the rip was when i put pc on & tried to update it. So apart from
smashing his windows after being ripped off there was nothing I could do, I
DIDN'T SMASH HIS WINDOWS THOUGH. LOL. So I will have to opt for buying the
disc from microsoft at a cost. All I have is a handwritten receipt from him.
I have big prob's now with my pc, so thanx for your help & I just have to ask
for help again.