Usually the product key is on a label (sticker) attached to
the computer. It is a COA (certificate of authenticity).
The number can also be found using a free program called
AIDA32 (use Google to find AIDA32).
If the computer can get Windows Updates you have a legit
product.
If it won't update you probably have a pirated copy.
| Is the words "product key number" the same as "serial
number"? I don't have
| the package that XP came in, but I do have the XP disk, so
I know the person
| I bought the computer from had a legit copy, even though
the serial number
| is written down for me on a piece of paper.
|
in message
| | > The SP1 CD will ask you for your current product key
number
| > and it will check to see that the current installation
is
| > valid.
| >
| >
message
| > | > | I got the serial number. Can you tell me what you mean
by
| > "valid license"?
| > | My used version of XP should not have installed if it
was
| > not legit, right?
| > |
| > | | > | > On Tue, 14 Oct 2003 19:19:18 -0500, Josh Collins
wrote:
| > | >
| > | > > I just got a computer with XP on it. Can I order
the
| > XP SP 1 update CD
| > | so I
| > | > > don't have to download all the updates? If so,
what is
| > expected from me
| > | on
| > | > > my end?
| > | >
| > | > The link for ordering the SP1 CD is at the bottom of
| > this page:
| > | >
| > |
| >
|
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/default.as
| > | p
| > | >
| > | > There is a shipping and handling charge. Varies
| > depending on where you
| > | > live. The service pack checks for a valid license
before
| > installing.
| > | >
| > | > --
| > | > Sharon F
| > | > MS MVP - Windows Shell/User
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|
