Invalid product key

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike Ronayne
  • Start date Start date
M

Mike Ronayne

I purchased a used laptop.
Windows XP Pro was installed.
I been using it for over a year.
When SP2 was being installed, I found out the product key
was invalid.
I have purchased a copy of XP Pro.
Is there a way to install the valid copy of XP Pro
without losing my installed programs, desktop etc.?
Thanks in advance?
Mike Ronayne
 
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I purchased a used laptop.
| Windows XP Pro was installed.
| I been using it for over a year.
| When SP2 was being installed, I found out the product key
| was invalid.
| I have purchased a copy of XP Pro.
| Is there a way to install the valid copy of XP Pro
| without losing my installed programs, desktop etc.?
| Thanks in advance?
| Mike Ronayne
 
I purchased a used laptop.
Windows XP Pro was installed.
I been using it for over a year.
When SP2 was being installed, I found out the product key
was invalid.
I have purchased a copy of XP Pro.
Is there a way to install the valid copy of XP Pro
without losing my installed programs, desktop etc.?
Thanks in advance?
Mike Ronayne
Click to expand...

Yes there is a way. Follow the procedure below:

You don't have to install XP again. All you have to do is replace the
pirated key/license with the purchased key/license. This will make
windows legal according to the ms eula. To change the key:


1) Run regedit and go to:

HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents
In the right pane double click on "oobetimer" and change at least
one digit of this value

(ie: change hex "CA" to "AC"). This will deactivate windows.
Exit regedit.

2) Choose run from the start menu and type in this command
c:\windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

3) Choose activate by phone.

4) Choose Change Product Key.

5) Type in the new product key.
CLICK UPDATE

6) Now reboot.

7) After reboot, re-enter command from step 2 to verify activation.

You're done. New legal PID entered. You can now download and install
SP2.
 
Mike said:
I purchased a used laptop.
Windows XP Pro was installed.
I been using it for over a year.
When SP2 was being installed, I found out the product key
was invalid.
I have purchased a copy of XP Pro.
Is there a way to install the valid copy of XP Pro
without losing my installed programs, desktop etc.?
Thanks in advance?
Mike Ronayne
Click to expand...


If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack and getting the
following:

The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q326904

You need to purchase and use a _legitimate_ full retail copy of
WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation,
using the new CD and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

Remember, you should also report whomever sold/gave you the
pirated software to the pertinent law enforcement agencies; you've
been defrauded.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having
both at once. - RAH
 
CS said:
1) Run regedit and go to:

HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents
In the right pane double click on "oobetimer" and change at least
one digit of this value

(ie: change hex "CA" to "AC"). This will deactivate windows.
Exit regedit.

2) Choose run from the start menu and type in this command
c:\windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

3) Choose activate by phone.

4) Choose Change Product Key.

5) Type in the new product key.
CLICK UPDATE

6) Now reboot.

7) After reboot, re-enter command from step 2 to verify activation.

You're done. New legal PID entered. You can now download and
install
SP2.
Click to expand...


Have you verified that this method will actually work when trying
to "legitimatize" a Volume Licensed installation with a retail Product
Key? Remember, Product Keys and license types cannot normally be
mixed & matched?

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having
both at once. - RAH
 
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