XP Professional Key Code Help

[Donald Cook]

I've been running XP Professional for the last couple of years and updated
the software with SR2. The original software was a copy which is no longer
recognized by the update site.

I recently purchased via EBay an OEM version of XP Professional with SR2 to
upgrade the system to a valid key code. My problem is probably self evident
by now.

The new key code is not recognized by my existing system. Any attempts to
change it including those of MS support staff have been fruitless.
Microsoft support has finally stated I need to reinstall XP Pro using the
new disk and key code. As a result, I will lose everything and have to
reinstall all my apps and data - 30 or more hours of work.

Can anyone suggest an option other than reinstallation? Thanks.

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

I've been running XP Professional for the last couple of years and updated
the software with SR2. The original software was a copy which is no
longer
recognized by the update site.

I recently purchased via EBay an OEM version of XP Professional with SR2
to
upgrade the system to a valid key code. My problem is probably self
evident
by now.

The new key code is not recognized by my existing system. Any attempts to
change it including those of MS support staff have been fruitless.
Microsoft support has finally stated I need to reinstall XP Pro using the
new disk and key code. As a result, I will lose everything and have to
reinstall all my apps and data - 30 or more hours of work.

Can anyone suggest an option other than reinstallation? Thanks.

Have you not heard of a repair installation?

Bobby

 

[Donny Broome]

There is no need for you to "lose" anything. Get an external CD or DVD
burner or an external hard drive and backup any data that you may have.
Reinstall the OS, reinstall your applications. Yes, it will take a few
hours, but 30 seems a little excessive.


--

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

Look at:-

How to perform an in-place upgrade (reinstallation) of Windows
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I've been running XP Professional for the last couple of years and updated
the software with SR2. The original software was a copy which is no longer
recognized by the update site.

I recently purchased via EBay an OEM version of XP Professional with SR2 to
upgrade the system to a valid key code. My problem is probably self evident
by now.

The new key code is not recognized by my existing system. Any attempts to
change it including those of MS support staff have been fruitless.
Microsoft support has finally stated I need to reinstall XP Pro using the
new disk and key code. As a result, I will lose everything and have to
reinstall all my apps and data - 30 or more hours of work.

Can anyone suggest an option other than reinstallation? Thanks.

To change from an illicit VL installation to a legitimate OEM
installation, there's no other option. Product Keys are bound to a
specific type of license.

You need to use your legitimate 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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