hi,
i have a computer with Windows XP Professional SP2 installed. The OS is a pirated copy. Now i got a new installation (Win XP Professional SP2) with single user licence for me.
Therefore, i dont need to have the pirated copy anymore and i want to insert this new licence key to my existing Win XP installation. I dont like to backup my existing files and reinstall the OS and software from the begining.
i tried the method mentioned in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874 but it says that the new licence key is invalid. But, this new key is an original licence key comming with an installation.
So, how can i have a licenced XP without completely reinstalling the OS........
That KB method is perfectly alright if the key is matching with your installed version. Remember XP has different flavors like Home and Professional.
Check your key
Paddy: That KB method is perfectly alright if the key is matching with your installed version. Remember XP has different flavors like Home and Professional. Check your key
Thanks Padman
also it could be due to the different license options available for Windows XP. Usually all pirated media comes with a volume license product key, and when you try to enter a product key which belongs to a different licensing category it will not accept. one option i can suggest you to do is to, locate your genuine Windows XP media, and then you can boot from that CD and repair your installation. if you can tell us how you got your new key as well as the product name mentioned we will be able to help you with any further queries
also it could be due to the different license options available for Windows XP. Usually all pirated media comes with a volume license product key, and when you try to enter a product key which belongs to a different licensing category it will not accept.
one option i can suggest you to do is to, locate your genuine Windows XP media, and then you can boot from that CD and repair your installation.
if you can tell us how you got your new key as well as the product name mentioned we will be able to help you with any further queries
Nirmal Thewarathanthri
Hi rainsaraw,
This KB article is for changing the license key of Volume Licensing version. Most pirated copies are smuggled from volume licensing copies. But you must have bought a retail or OEM version of the installation. Just see the very first sentence in the KB article:
"Warning The steps in the article are effective only on Volume License media. If you try these steps on OEM media or on retail media, you will not change the product key."
So, it seems like your only option is to re-install everything.
Cheers,
Nilhan
Regards,
Nilhan Uduwarage(MCPD, MCTS, MCSE, MCDBA)
Thank you all for your replies.....
@paddy: what i have installed and the serial that i have is both Windows XP Professional SP2
@nirmal&Nilhan: yes, i think, tht might be the issue. tks for reminding me that repair option. need to try that... hmmm... not feeeling to reinstalling everything.. feeling bit lazy..
once again, thanks all for your replies..
there's no need for you to format and do a reinstallation
do a repair it should work out
You may want to take a backup of your files, you can use "User State Migration Tool" for that
let us know how it goes :)