Problems with XP & SP1 installation

[FT]

My situation is rather delicate:
1. several monthes ago I bought on a paper ad a XP-Upgrade (I run W98 by
that time) with (apparently) a legal key.
2. I installed the upgrade and activated it successfully , even updated it
without any problems with the critical issues from ms, until SP1 arrived
3. When trying to install the SP1, I got a message telling me that my XP had
a wrong key-number or was pirated.
4. I then bought from a PC-Shop a new XP-Upgrade, version 2002. The
installation failed because the existing XP refused to install another
XP-Upgrade.
Pleaase advice me what I can do? Only change in the existing but stably
running XP the old key by the new one? If yes then how? What are other
procedures to go on? Go back to an old W98? But then how to delete the "bad"
XP version? Or can MS give me a replacement key?
Thanks for any advice
FT

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

You need to do a repair installation with the legitimate Product Key. Follow
these steps to do a repair install which should preserve your data,
settings, and programs:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM
drive.
2. Restart your computer. If you have to, change the BIOS settings to start
from
the CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM drive, and then restart your computer again.
3. At the "Welcome to Setup" page, press ENTER.
4. Press F8 to accept the Licensing Agreement.
5. Use the arrow keys to select the installation of Windows XP that you want
to
repair, and then press R to start the automatic repair process.
6. When Setup is completed, activate Windows XP.

Afterwards, you will be able to install SP1, then the rest of the updates
(there have been many since SP1 was released).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[FT]

Hi,
Thank for your advice.
Somewhere I read that another possibility is to use sysprep to change the
key. what is your opinion about this way and what is different at the end?
FT

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Sysprep is used for preinstallers, its use would not apply here.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone