XP not genuine copy?

[Brent]

I have an XP machine here that we are trying to install SP2 onto. However
the SP2 install is indicating that the current version of XP may not be
genuine and directs us to the MS "How to Tell" site
(http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx). We bought
this machine new with XP preinstalled and we have the original XP disc also.
We have verified that the disc is genuine. However this machine did have
the OS reinstalled at a repair shop some months ago. We are wondering if it
is possible that the techie reinstalled the OS from a disc there, or ghosted
it, or something of the sort.

Q: If this isn't a genuine XP, how can we get the genuine version back on
this system from the CD, and SP2 installed?

Thanks.

 

[Jerry]

You boot from the XD CD you have and do a repair install. It will ask for
the key code and then install/repair over the exisitng. When that is done
SP2 should install.

 

[RobertVA]

Did you have the system serviced by the same shop you bought it from? If
it was a different shop they may not have had access to the installation
media that matches your Certificate of Authenticity (COA). If a shop has
to reinstall an OS on a system not sold there they NEED to use the
number from the customer's COA AND use the customer's instalation media
(CD or recovery partition on the hard drive).

Doe's you COA correspond to the COA illustrations on the Microsoft site?
Is your computer manufacturer listed on Microsoft's site as an
authorized OEM source?

 

[Guest]

if you want to be sure, justr back up everything you currently have on the
computer, then reinstall by yourself with the original disc, it wont take
long. Good luck

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Brent;
Does this apply:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm

If so, a Repair Installation using your CD and Product Key may be necessary:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm

See if the tech will make it right, otherwise stop using that tech and find
a qualified tech next time.
One not willing to take a short cut to save him time now and spend your time
later.

 

[Brent]

Thanks for replying!

I'm actually not sure where the machine was bought, or who did the servicing
a while back. Using the "How to Tell" site however, we did determine that
the CD that came with the machine is genuine. We will perform the
recommended Repair install and try to install SP2 afterward

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have an XP machine here that we are trying to install SP2 onto. However
the SP2 install is indicating that the current version of XP may not be
genuine and directs us to the MS "How to Tell" site
(http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/ww/default.mspx). We bought
this machine new with XP preinstalled and we have the original XP disc also.
We have verified that the disc is genuine. However this machine did have
the OS reinstalled at a repair shop some months ago. We are wondering if it
is possible that the techie reinstalled the OS from a disc there, or ghosted
it, or something of the sort.

Sounds like it - and they were using a dubious disk. Complaint to them
probably will be ineffective. Get get the free Everest Home edition
from
http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1
and its Operating System - Operating System page will tell you the
Product Key they used - see if it matches the one with your CD used

Q: If this isn't a genuine XP, how can we get the genuine version back on
this system from the CD

You will have to do at least a 'repair' reinstall using your CD and Key.
This may well not work over a different version that has been used, in
which case you will have to back things up and do a full clean install
from your CD

 

[Conrad Hoffman]

Let us know how you make out, I have the same problem.