upgrade

[stu]

I just found out that the used pc I bought with XP
Professional does not have a valid product key. I am
assuming the person I got it from bootlegged the
software. I have no recourse with him. Can I pay for a
copy of XP? I need to run SP2 and it won't let me. I do
not want to have to save all of my files, load XP then
reinstall all of my software. What is the best solution?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If you are getting the following error message when attempting to update:

"The product key used to install Windows is invalid"

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

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

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:

| I just found out that the used pc I bought with XP
| Professional does not have a valid product key. I am
| assuming the person I got it from bootlegged the
| software. I have no recourse with him. Can I pay for a
| copy of XP? I need to run SP2 and it won't let me. I do
| not want to have to save all of my files, load XP then
| reinstall all of my software. What is the best solution?