Windows XP Pro OEM over unlicensed version

[cjohnson1379]

This is more of a technical question than a licensing question. I am
fairly sure my computer has a copy of Windows XP Pro that is not
properly licensed. I want to get a proper license so I can be legal
and enjoy all the additional benefits of it. A local computer dealer
with a good reputation told me I can buy an OEM version of XP Pro with
a piece of non-peripheral hardware. My question is, will I be able to
just change the product key or will I have to reinstall Windows with
the OEM CD?

 

[Alias]

This is more of a technical question than a licensing question. I am
fairly sure my computer has a copy of Windows XP Pro that is not
properly licensed. I want to get a proper license so I can be legal
and enjoy all the additional benefits of it. A local computer dealer
with a good reputation told me I can buy an OEM version of XP Pro with
a piece of non-peripheral hardware. My question is, will I be able to
just change the product key or will I have to reinstall Windows with
the OEM CD?

Generic OEMs cannot upgrade. You would have to back up everything and do
a clean install, reinstall your programs, download updates and reinstall
your printer, camera, etc. You could try a repair install, which it will
do, but be prepared for a clean install because "shite happens".

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

This is more of a technical question than a licensing question. I am
fairly sure my computer has a copy of Windows XP Pro that is not
properly licensed. I want to get a proper license so I can be legal
and enjoy all the additional benefits of it. A local computer dealer
with a good reputation told me I can buy an OEM version of XP Pro with
a piece of non-peripheral hardware. My question is, will I be able to
just change the product key or will I have to reinstall Windows with
the OEM CD?

It's not quite as simple as just changing the Product Key, as Product
Keys are bound to specific types of licenses, but you shouldn't have to
perform a complete installation, either.

If you are trying to install a WinXP Service Pack 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_ retail or OEM full
license of WinXP Pro to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade)
installation, using the new CD and Product Keys.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Newbie Coder]

You cannot just change the key because of how the WPA is done. The code
takes your produt key, & then uses a certain way with the last code being
the offset... Therefore your code will be invalid because of the hardware...

Here are a few articles for you to read that will tell you why entering
another key isn't possible. Cannot find the 11 page technical doc for you
though - sorry. Here's the others:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/evaluate/xpactiv.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/evaluate/prodactv.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/activation.mspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890

I hope this helps,