Invalid Product Key

[Guest]

I am working on a machine and I have discovered that the product key is
evidently a "known pirated" key. It's a Dell box with the OEM sticker and
valid product key on the side. I used Magic Jelly Bean to verify the current
key. The owner of the machine said that the machine had been demolished by
viruses and she had it re-installed. The guy who did it (no longer in the
area) put XP Pro on it instead of XP Home.
This issue became apparent when I couldn't install SP2 due to the machine
failing the validation. I have seen threads concerning changing the product
key, but the fact that she has XP Pro and is licensed for Home is a concern.
I need to get her machine fixed without losing her existing data. I'm open
to suggestions... TIA

 

[Rock]

I am working on a machine and I have discovered that the product key is
evidently a "known pirated" key. It's a Dell box with the OEM sticker and
valid product key on the side. I used Magic Jelly Bean to verify the current
key. The owner of the machine said that the machine had been demolished by
viruses and she had it re-installed. The guy who did it (no longer in the
area) put XP Pro on it instead of XP Home.
This issue became apparent when I couldn't install SP2 due to the machine
failing the validation. I have seen threads concerning changing the product
key, but the fact that she has XP Pro and is licensed for Home is a concern.
I need to get her machine fixed without losing her existing data. I'm open
to suggestions... TIA

The way to replace an invalid key is do a repair install and put in a
valid key when it asks for it. I don't think that will work here since
the computer has XP Pro and she has a key for home unless she purchases
a copy of XP Pro. If not you'll need to back up all essential data,
slave the drive in another computer or do it from safe mode if you can
get into safe mode, then do a clean install of XP Home with her good
product key. Programs will need to be reinstalled from original media.

Someone else may have another suggestion.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Bryan;
There is no downgrade path from Pro to home so there are a few options:
1. Buy Windows XP Pro and perform a Repair Installation using the new CD
and key.
The change key routines probably will not work since the pirated Pro is most
likely Volume License and for the change key to work, they must be the same.
Repair Install:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm

2. Use FAST to save Files and Settings:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
Follows Dell's procedure for installing their OEM Windows XP Home.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. That's what I thought. I was just hoping that there was an easier
way.

 

[ANONYMOUS]

I suggest download BArtPE from here:

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Bootup the Pc with this CD and delete the folder called C:\Windows

Also, rename the folder DOCUMENTS and SETTINGS to:
DOCUMENTS and SETTINGS_02

This should preserve your documents.

Then re-install from original DELL Media using the correct Serial
number.

Now you have fully working system and your original documents are in:
DOCUMENTS and SETTINGS_02

Sometimes you may need to take ownership of these but see how far you
get to.