Installing legit copy of XP PRO over existing bootleg copy?

[Guest]

After troubleshooting my current copy of XP PRO I find out that I hade a
bootleg copy installed on my desktop and now I can not dnload SP2 to my
machine, it says I have an invalid registry key. The question I have is when
I buy a legit registered copy of XP PRO can I just install that as an overlay
on my machine and if I do it this way will it do anything to my current
programs and files. I hate to lose any of these files.....Thanks for your
help.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update:

Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&Product=winxp

You'll have to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and perform a "Repair Install" using the new Windows XP Pro CD and Product Key
that comes with it. (You cannot simply change the Product Key)

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

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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:

| After troubleshooting my current copy of XP PRO I find out that I hade a
| bootleg copy installed on my desktop and now I can not dnload SP2 to my
| machine, it says I have an invalid registry key. The question I have is when
| I buy a legit registered copy of XP PRO can I just install that as an overlay
| on my machine and if I do it this way will it do anything to my current
| programs and files. I hate to lose any of these files.....Thanks for your
| help.

 

[Guest]

That answered my question exactly! Thank you very much for your response on
this matter....