Reinstall XP2 over an earlier version?

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Guest

My neighbour has a computer supplied with a legal Windows XP SP2 system. He
still has the Windows CD that came with it, in its unopened shrinkwrap. At
some time in the past the system has been to a repair shop which reinstalled
Windows - not from his disc, and an earlier version, non-SP2. This has now
failed the "Windows Genuine Advantage" validation. Questions: (1) can he
reinstall Windows from the CD without wiping his system and losing all the
things he has on it? (2) If so, can you point me to any instructions or
advice on how to do it? (3) If not, is there any way to keep using the
present Windows, but placate WGAN by telling it the 25-digit code from the
original Windows?
 
JDeas said:
My neighbour has a computer supplied with a legal Windows XP SP2
system. He still has the Windows CD that came with it, in its
unopened shrinkwrap. At some time in the past the system has been
to a repair shop which reinstalled Windows - not from his disc, and
an earlier version, non-SP2. This has now failed the "Windows
Genuine Advantage" validation. Questions: (1) can he reinstall
Windows from the CD without wiping his system and losing all the
things he has on it? (2) If so, can you point me to any
instructions or advice on how to do it? (3) If not, is there any
way to keep using the present Windows, but placate WGAN by telling
it the 25-digit code from the original Windows?
Click to expand...

In its "unopened shrinkwrap"...
Yeah - likely it was not the same version he was shipped in the first place
anyway.
A lot of OEMs do that, it seems.

You might have them try:

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

Doesn't work?

He can use his CD to attempt a repair installation.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341

He may wish to slipstream SP2 into the CD if it is not already in there.
 
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