windows licensing question

[Moosey21209]

When I originally built my system I used a less than kosher copy of windows xp pro coporate edition. However I would now like to switch my computer over to a legal version and have already purchased a copy of windows xp pro. I was wondering if I just switch my key to the new legal key if that is sufficient or do I have to go and reinstall windows?

 

[jkresh]

you are most likely going to have to reinstall as the xp pro copy you bought will have a key that is different from corporate (and your new key will not likely work with your prior copy), you could try doing a repair witth the new disk but your best bet would be a new install

 

[OdiN]

I would just leave it...as long as you have a legal license it doesn't really matter what is on the computer itself.

 

[RedCOMET]

Originally posted by: OdiN
I would just leave it...as long as you have a legal license it doesn't really matter what is on the computer itself.

But if he is not using the legal licensed copy that he has, how will his pc update if WGA says its an invalid key?

 

[FlyingPenguin]

You can perform a Repair install with the new CD and Key. It will keep all your data, apps and settings but re-install all the Windows core files. You'll have to do a Windows update afterwards since all the updates will be lost.

Instructions:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Backup your data first just in case.

Hope this helps...

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: RedCOMET

Originally posted by: OdiN
I would just leave it...as long as you have a legal license it doesn't really matter what is on the computer itself.

But if he is not using the legal licensed copy that he has, how will his pc update if WGA says its an invalid key?

If he does have XP Corporate edition, then it will authenticate just fine.

 

[chiwawa626]

Originally posted by: OdiN

Originally posted by: RedCOMET

Originally posted by: OdiN
I would just leave it...as long as you have a legal license it doesn't really matter what is on the computer itself.

But if he is not using the legal licensed copy that he has, how will his pc update if WGA says its an invalid key?

If he does have XP Corporate edition, then it will authenticate just fine.

Yup

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: chiwawa626

Originally posted by: OdiN

Originally posted by: RedCOMET

Originally posted by: OdiN
I would just leave it...as long as you have a legal license it doesn't really matter what is on the computer itself.

But if he is not using the legal licensed copy that he has, how will his pc update if WGA says its an invalid key?

If he does have XP Corporate edition, then it will authenticate just fine.

Yup

Nope, It sure won't validate if he has one of the flagged keys. Which most of them floating around are flagged already. I have been busy this last week helping people with this very same problem with XP Pro Corp version. They all had to buy a new license. About twenty people so far. I'll bet the automatic updates goes down next. MS sales have really gone up this last week I'll bet.

pcgeek11

 

[OdiN]

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

Originally posted by: chiwawa626

Originally posted by: OdiN

Originally posted by: RedCOMET

Originally posted by: OdiN
I would just leave it...as long as you have a legal license it doesn't really matter what is on the computer itself.

But if he is not using the legal licensed copy that he has, how will his pc update if WGA says its an invalid key?

If he does have XP Corporate edition, then it will authenticate just fine.

Yup

Nope, It sure won't validate if he has one of the flagged keys. Which most of them floating around are flagged already. I have been busy this last week helping people with this very same problem with XP Pro Corp version. They all had to buy a new license. About twenty people so far. I'll bet the automatic updates goes down next. MS sales have really gone up this last week I'll bet.

pcgeek11

I run Windows XP Corporate Edition and mine updates just fine. However, I did get it legitimately from my work.

 

[HeliosUtH]

I am currently running a "free" version of MS Win XP PRO + SP2 (I have another 3 licensed Win's so ... this one is a bonus ) an I have no problem with the online update procedure. It works the same ... as a legit version. Though I strongly advise in general to use only licensed OS.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: OdiN

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

Originally posted by: chiwawa626

Originally posted by: OdiN

Originally posted by: RedCOMET

Originally posted by: OdiN
I would just leave it...as long as you have a legal license it doesn't really matter what is on the computer itself.

But if he is not using the legal licensed copy that he has, how will his pc update if WGA says its an invalid key?

If he does have XP Corporate edition, then it will authenticate just fine.

Yup

Nope, It sure won't validate if he has one of the flagged keys. Which most of them floating around are flagged already. I have been busy this last week helping people with this very same problem with XP Pro Corp version. They all had to buy a new license. About twenty people so far. I'll bet the automatic updates goes down next. MS sales have really gone up this last week I'll bet.

pcgeek11

I run Windows XP Corporate Edition and mine updates just fine. However, I did get it legitimately from my work.

Yeah that was my point, the illegal keys do not validate on any version corporate version or not.... I would imagine there are a few fake keys that will validate, but all I have seen do not...?

pcgeek11