WinXP Pro Upgrade question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack C.
  • Start date Start date
J

Jack C.

Hello All,

I just found out that I have a pirated copy of WindowsXP Pro loaded on
my computer - a corporate version, I believe. I purchased the complete
system, along with WindowsXP Pro (or so I thought) at a local computer
show last Spring - I know, biiiiiig mistake. Yesterday I did the new
Windows Update thingy and it told me the bad news. This morning I
attempted to contact the so called 'merchant' who sold me the computer
and found that they are no longer in business - bastards! I now just
want to make my system legal - the only problem is how? I found the
original receipt for the computer and there is no separate line item
listing WindowsXP Pro - the only thing I see that refers to any software
is a line stating the following: "MS Operating System Fully Loaded and
Configured". I've also searched high and low for any kind official
Microsoft WindowsXP CD, booklet, stickers, tags, license agreement,
whatever and found nothing. I know now that it was really stupid to deal
with a computer show 'merchant', but at the time the price was right and
he seemed like a reputable dealer. Anyway, my question, if I go out and
buy a new WindowsXP Pro Upgrade package can I then use the new CD to
upgrade the pirated software I have on my system now, or will I have to
buy the full version and completely reload? Also, I do have an old
official Microsoft Windows 98 CD that could be used as a qualifying
product for the XP Pro upgrade, right? Any help would be greatly
appreciated...... And, be careful who you buy from....

Thanx,
J
 
Hello All,

I just found out that I have a pirated copy of WindowsXP Pro loaded on
my computer - a corporate version, I believe. I purchased the complete
system, along with WindowsXP Pro (or so I thought) at a local computer
show last Spring - I know, biiiiiig mistake. Yesterday I did the new
Windows Update thingy and it told me the bad news. This morning I
attempted to contact the so called 'merchant' who sold me the computer
and found that they are no longer in business - bastards! I now just
want to make my system legal - the only problem is how? I found the
original receipt for the computer and there is no separate line item
listing WindowsXP Pro - the only thing I see that refers to any software
is a line stating the following: "MS Operating System Fully Loaded and
Configured". I've also searched high and low for any kind official
Microsoft WindowsXP CD, booklet, stickers, tags, license agreement,
whatever and found nothing. I know now that it was really stupid to deal
with a computer show 'merchant', but at the time the price was right and
he seemed like a reputable dealer. Anyway, my question, if I go out and
buy a new WindowsXP Pro Upgrade package can I then use the new CD to
upgrade the pirated software I have on my system now, or will I have to
buy the full version and completely reload? Also, I do have an old
official Microsoft Windows 98 CD that could be used as a qualifying
product for the XP Pro upgrade, right? Any help would be greatly
appreciated...... And, be careful who you buy from....

Thanx,
J
Click to expand...

Jack,

As I see it, you have 3 options:
1) See if you qualify for the "Report The Pirate" offer, and get a free copy to
replace what you have.
2) Purchase a new, full copy of XP.
3) Purchase an upgrade copy of XP.

If you want to reinstall Windows, you should be able to do so from an upgrade
copy. If you want to keep what you have, and simply make it legal, you will
have to do a repair install. The repair install is the current procedure for
"making it legal" without reinstalling everything.

See the official Microsoft article:
<http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en>
 
Jack,

As I see it, you have 3 options:
1) See if you qualify for the "Report The Pirate" offer, and get a free copy to
replace what you have.
2) Purchase a new, full copy of XP.
3) Purchase an upgrade copy of XP.

If you want to reinstall Windows, you should be able to do so from an upgrade
copy. If you want to keep what you have, and simply make it legal, you will
have to do a repair install. The repair install is the current procedure for
"making it legal" without reinstalling everything.

See the official Microsoft article:
<http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en>
Click to expand...

Chuck,
Thanx for all the pertinent info. I was really upset when I first found
out that I was illegal and that the computer dealer has gone kaput. Now
I see that I do have some reasonable but expensive options. What
reeeeally bugs me is when I purchased the computer, the idiot salesman
talked me into going with WinXP Pro as opposed to the standard Home
edition - and I quote, "We do Pro Edition! No charge!". What a crock!
Now I know why there was no charge - he used a pirated Corporate Pro
edition which cost him nothing, and which will now cost me an extra $50
to become legit. Oh well, I guess you really do get what you pay for.

Thanx again,
Jack

PS DON'T EVER BUY A COMPUTER AT A COMPUTER SHOW!
 
Chuck,
Thanx for all the pertinent info. I was really upset when I first found
out that I was illegal and that the computer dealer has gone kaput. Now
I see that I do have some reasonable but expensive options. What
reeeeally bugs me is when I purchased the computer, the idiot salesman
talked me into going with WinXP Pro as opposed to the standard Home
edition - and I quote, "We do Pro Edition! No charge!". What a crock!
Now I know why there was no charge - he used a pirated Corporate Pro
edition which cost him nothing, and which will now cost me an extra $50
to become legit. Oh well, I guess you really do get what you pay for.

Thanx again,
Jack

PS DON'T EVER BUY A COMPUTER AT A COMPUTER SHOW!
Click to expand...

Jack,

Caveat Emptor. But don't discount Computer Shows totally - there are some good
bargains to be had at some. Just be careful - there - EBay - and everywhere
else.

And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is just that.
 
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