Replacing a pirated copy of XP with a legitimate one

[Guest]

Hi
My father-in-law realised a few days ago that the guy who sold him his
computer installed a pirated version of XP. For his own reasons, he doesn't
want to pursue the guy legally, but he does want to get a proper copy on
board.

Obviously he wants to have a legal copy with full service protection, but
the problem is, he doesn't want to spend another £200 on the full version
after the amount he's already shelled out on the pc. I was wondering if
there was a way to use an OEM version to 'repair' the fake installation to a
legitimate one, whilst minimising the financial damage?

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

Yes, you simply do a repair installation with the legit version and product
key. Be aware that the version purchased must be at the same or higher level
of service pack as the existing installation or the repair function will not
work.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Anton Pegan]

Hi,

You can also try changing you product key using Windows Product Key Update
Tool:

http://catalog.microsoft.com/genuine/purchase/UpdateInstructions.aspx

If this does not help then repair installation will be needed.

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341/en-us

Regards,

Anton Pegan

 

[Guest]

Thanks very much guys - I'll give that a go

Hi,

Yes, you simply do a repair installation with the legit version and product
key. Be aware that the version purchased must be at the same or higher level
of service pack as the existing installation or the repair function will not
work.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org