Loading XP over Existing Copy

[Scozzy]

Could anyone help me with this question? I purchases a pc
from an auction a few months ago. I have learned that it
was loaded with a copied version of XP Pro after trying
to download the updated service pack. I have since
purchased a legal copy of XP-Pro.

Can I install it right over the existing version I have
on my PC? I do not want to lose anything that I have on
my machine at the moment.

Thanx!

 

[Jack]

got caught , eh....

 

[Plato]

YOu got what you paid for. Now it's time to pay the piper.

 

[Bob Knowlden]

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&Product=winxp

"Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid"

There's a link from the above page to:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;328874

"HOW TO: Change the Volume Licensing Product Key on a Windows XP SP1-Based
Computer"

I believe that you can also fix things by doing a Repair Install:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

"How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP"

That will preserve most installed applications and settings, but you will
lose everything installed through Windows Update (which may be little or
nothing, if you were unable to run Windows Update due to having a locked-out
copy of XP).

Good luck.

Bob Knowlden

Address may be altered to avoid spam. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

 

[Guest]

To report Jack for abuse in the newsgroups
(e-mail address removed)

----- Jack wrote: ----

got caught , eh...

 

[Michael Stevens]

Could anyone help me with this question? I purchases a pc
from an auction a few months ago. I have learned that it
was loaded with a copied version of XP Pro after trying
to download the updated service pack. I have since
purchased a legal copy of XP-Pro.

Can I install it right over the existing version I have
on my PC? I do not want to lose anything that I have on
my machine at the moment.

Thanx!

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Change CD key.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html#need2
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
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