Making non-genuine Windows XP Pro genuine

[Steven]

I have recently obtained a machine with a NON-genuine version of
Windows XP Pro SP2 installed on it. I have purchased a genuine version
and want that installed. How can I go about doing this? Can I install
the genuine version on top of the non-genuine version without losing
data? Or can I simply enter in the registration key somewhere?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have recently obtained a machine with a NON-genuine version of
Windows XP Pro SP2 installed on it. I have purchased a genuine
version and want that installed. How can I go about doing this? Can
I install the genuine version on top of the non-genuine version
without losing data? Or can I simply enter in the registration key
somewhere?

The search you were looking for to figure out how to change your
Windows XP Product Key (Serial Number) to something else without
a fresh installation...

http://groups.google.com/groups?as_q=&num=100&scoring=d&as_epq=Genuine+Advantage+Product+Key

Most of which should have the following text:

The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for
users attempting to change their current non-genuine Product Key
to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key - all without a
reinstall!

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409

So try using that... Should resolve your situation.
Good luck to you!

 

[Alias]

I have recently obtained a machine with a NON-genuine version of
Windows XP Pro SP2 installed on it. I have purchased a genuine version
and want that installed. How can I go about doing this? Can I install
the genuine version on top of the non-genuine version without losing
data? Or can I simply enter in the registration key somewhere?

Thank you in advance for your help.

I would do a clean install after backing up your data. With used
computers, one never knows what one gets hidden on the hard drive.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have recently obtained a machine with a NON-genuine version of
Windows XP Pro SP2 installed on it. I have purchased a genuine version
and want that installed. How can I go about doing this? Can I install
the genuine version on top of the non-genuine version without losing
data? Or can I simply enter in the registration key somewhere?

You're looking for trouble, as far as I'm concerned. If I acquired a
used computer, the first thing I would do with it would be to
reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea how the
computer has been maintained, what has been installed incorrectly,
what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be, etc. I
wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and problems,
possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend that anyone
else do either.

I recommend backing up your data, installing your genuine version
cleanly, then restoring your backed up data.