Pirated Copy of Windows XP

[Guest]

Unwillingly and unknowingly, I bought a "pirated" copy of XP. I guess its
that old thing -- if something seems too good to be true it usually is.

Anyway, when I last updated through Windows Security, it installed a program
on my hard disk that checked the serial number and let me know that the
version I have is an "unauthorized" copy. OK, no problem, I'll just buy an
"authorized" one. I guess its "buyer beware" and all that.

So, if I buy a new copy of XP, how do I change the serial number on the
computer, etc., so that it will continue to "take" the new updates? Or do I
need to reinstall/reformat, or what?

Thanks
Alan

 

[Kerry Brown]

Unwillingly and unknowingly, I bought a "pirated" copy of XP. I
guess its that old thing -- if something seems too good to be true it
usually is.

Anyway, when I last updated through Windows Security, it installed a
program on my hard disk that checked the serial number and let me
know that the version I have is an "unauthorized" copy. OK, no
problem, I'll just buy an "authorized" one. I guess its "buyer
beware" and all that.

So, if I buy a new copy of XP, how do I change the serial number on
the computer, etc., so that it will continue to "take" the new
updates? Or do I need to reinstall/reformat, or what?

Thanks
Alan

Check out the "Genuine Windows offer" on this page.

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en

It may be worth it to see if Microsoft will help. If not purchase a genuine
copy of Windows and perform a repair install with the new CD.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Kerry

 

[Tony Marcus]

I just went through the same thing. I bought a new license key through the
link mentioned. Before you can enter the new key, windows is scanned, if
all files are there you enter the key. Mine were'nt. A cd is mailed to
you, mine arrived in a few days. You then do a repair install. If you need
any more help, let me know. Tony

 

[Guest]

What's involved in the "repair install" -- does it undo all the work I've
done installing all my applications, etc.? Or does it just install the
correct software key number?

I checked out the Microsoft offers -- they involve either "turning in" the
seller (I'll never find him -- it was at a computer fair) or paying more for
the official disk that I could buy a new copy at WalMart. So, I'll elect the
latter.

Thanks
Alan

 

[Guest]

What's involved in the "repair install" -- does it undo all the work I've
done installing all my applications, etc.? Or does it just install the
correct software key number?

I checked out the Microsoft offers -- they involve either "turning in" the
seller (I'll never find him -- it was at a computer fair) or paying more for
the official disk that I could buy a new copy at WalMart. So, I'll elect the
latter.

Thanks
Alan

 

[Tim Slattery]

What's involved in the "repair install" -- does it undo all the work I've
done installing all my applications, etc.? Or does it just install the
correct software key number?

It should not wipe out installed apps or data, just fix what's wrong.
In your case, that would include getting the proper license
information in the right place.

 

[Kerry Brown]

What's involved in the "repair install" -- does it undo all the work
I've done installing all my applications, etc.? Or does it just
install the correct software key number?

I checked out the Microsoft offers -- they involve either "turning
in" the seller (I'll never find him -- it was at a computer fair) or
paying more for the official disk that I could buy a new copy at
WalMart. So, I'll elect the latter.

Thanks
Alan

A repair install will reinstall all the Windows files. Your programs, data,
and settings should still be the same after a repair install. The key word
is "should". Always do a backup before doing a repair install. I've done
hundreds of repair installs. Out of those three or four have gone wrong and
the computer needed a clean install to fix it. Murphy's law always applies.

Kerry

 

[Guest]

Thanks Tim, and thanks to Tony and Kerry. I'm going to go out and buy a
"legit" copy from an established retailer and do a "repair install". I'll
keep my fingers crossed.

Alan