Possible To Legitimize A Bootleg Copy Of XP Pro Without A Complete Re-installation?

[Harvey]

A friend bought a copy of XP Pro that looked legal, etc. that turned out to be a bootleg. Discovered by their Genuine Advantage update. She's willing to legitimize it so the only question is the best method. Options:

1. MS has a page where you can buy a serial number for $150 that legitimizes the current installation.

2. Buy a legit OEM copy for her system from the company that sold her the machine.

Is it possible to install a legal copy over the current installation without having to re-install all of her software and settings?

TIA.

 

[MJGlo]

I would buy an OEM copy of XP Pro for $139 before I bought a key from MS for $150 to place on the bootleg OS, as least with the storebought software you know what you have.

 

[IEC]

Does she have a legit CoA/serial on her machine for any Windows OS? You could always get an upgrade version for much less. Also less if she's a student.

 

[IEC]

Oh, and before I forget, I believe MS has a program where you can report that you got bootleg software and if you tell them who you bought it from they'll give you a copy of XP. Might want to ask around.

 

[tersome]

If you have the receipt and WGA isn't reporting a false positive, Microsoft will send you a free CD key.

Text

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: MJGlo
I would buy an OEM copy of XP Pro for $139 before I bought a key from MS for $150 to place on the bootleg OS, as least with the storebought software you know what you have.

That's exactly what I had in mind. :thumbsup:

The only advantage I see in getting the key from MS is, she could avoid having to re-install the whole thing from the ground up. That's why I asked if that's possible with her own legit copy.

 

[Frintin]

You only need a valid key to legalize any installation. You will not have to reinstall etc. just change your PID and allow Microsoft to confirm validity through Windows genuine Advantage.

Check out this Microsoft Knowledge base article here.

 

[postmortemIA]

ooops

 

[postmortemIA]

Originally posted by: Frintin
You only need a valid key to legalize any installation. You will not have to reinstall etc. just change your PID and allow Microsoft to confirm validity through Windows genuine Advantage.

Check out this Microsoft Knowledge base article here.

That is only for corporate version.

 

[Frintin]

I think the oobe timer thingie works on anything, all it does it bring up the activation panels.

 

[MxChris]

Once you buy a used copy of XP, look in the FS/T section they are cheap, you can use the freeware RockXP to change the key I think or you can do a little registry magic and swap your key.