Product Keys

[Dano]

I was installing XP pro on a system, used the product key
accidentally from a system that was already in use,
everything set up just fine until I tried to do online MS
Updates, said Product key was invalid, have a new XP Pro
OS still in the box and want to change the Product key to
the new key so we can do our live updates.

How do I change to the new product key without completely
reinstalling the OS?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Does it fit this:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326904
If it does, you most likely have a pirated Windows XP Pro.
If it is pirated, you need to contact the seller and/or Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/default.asp
One of the features of Service Pack 1 is to detect pirated copies of
windows XP.
Also you have 3 options to become legal:
1. Go back to the previous OS:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=303661
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314052
This may or may not work depending on the installation options used.
2. Perform a Clean Install with the OS of your choice destroying ALL
data.
3. Purchase Windows XP Pro (Home will not work) and perform a Repair
Installation using the new valid key and CD:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Are you trying to install Service Pack 1 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. An OEM CD _may_ successfully
perform a repair installation, but also may not, depending upon its
source.

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 you the pirated
software to the pertinent law enforcement agencies; you've been
defrauded.


Bruce Chambers

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