If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update:
Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904&Product=winxp
You'll have to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and perform a "Repair Install" using the new Windows XP Pro CD and Product Key
that comes with it. (You cannot simply change the Product Key)
How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm
[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]
Or if you wish to install Windows XP Home Edition,
you'll have to perform a "clean install" of XP Home Edition.
Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/
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:
| While traveling out west this summer, my laptop crashed. I took it to a
| repair shop and they installed a copy of windows xp. Now i have an
| unregistered copy on my computer. I have my original windows cd. How can I
| reinstall and will I loose any of my info when I do? I'm not real sure of
| myself, is this better left to a pro? Thanks Dick