Need CD Key for XP-Pro

[KidKasha]

I purchased a pirated XP-Pro, and would like to I be able to just upgrade my existing system with an original copy?? I called Microsoft, and the responder didn't seem to know what I should do. Can someone tell me how I go about resolving this.

Would I be better off waiting for new Windows that may be out soon. How much is the original now.

[Strawbs]

The only "New" windows that will be released soon is one with SP2 included, you won't have to wait too long for that.

You would just need to do a repair install over your existing pirate copy and use the new key to have the old files replaced.

edit: don't forget to back up critical data before you start.

[Baddog]

How to change the Volume Licensing product key on a Windows XP SP1-based computer

View products that this article applies to.

This article was previously published under Q328874

Important This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

IN THIS TASK

INTRODUCTION
MORE INFORMATION

Use the Activation Wizard
Use a Script

ChangeVLKeySP1.vbs
ChangeVLKey2600.vbs
Example

INTRODUCTION

If you use a "leaked" product key (a product key that is known to be available to the general public) for the deployment of Microsoft Windows XP across multiple computers (a Volume Licensing installation), you may not be able to install Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or automatically obtain updates from the Windows Update Web site. For example, you may experience the symptoms that are described in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article when you install Windows XP SP1:

326904 Error message: The product key used to install Windows is invalid

This article describes how to change the Windows XP product key after a Volume Licensing installation. You can use the Windows Activation Wizard graphical user interface (GUI) or a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) script. The Activation Wizard method is easier, but if you must change the product key for multiple computers, the script method is better.

Back to the top

MORE INFORMATION

Use the Activation Wizard

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to

reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

If you have only a few volume licensing product keys to change, you can use the Activation Wizard.

Note Microsoft recommends that you run System Restore to create a new restore point before you follow these steps. For information about how to create a restore point by using System Restore, see the "To Create a Restore Point" help topic in Help and Support.

Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Cu rrent Version\WPAEvents

In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
Click Change Product key.
Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update.

If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:

Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.

Click OK.
Install SP1 for Windows XP.

If you cannot restart Windows after you install SP1, press F8 when you restart the computer, select Last Known Good Configuration, and then repeat this procedure.http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;328874

[Sterling_Aug]

The above instructions usually work, and the key here is USUALLY.

I would boot using the new legal copy of XP then do the repair option and reinstall keeping all of your apps registered.

[custer]

I would backup all the install files and serial numbers/keys for those apps I legally owned, then format the drive and install a legally owned version of windows.

[cheeseman]

if search on the web you will find things:D

[MJCfromCT]

Originally posted by cheeseman
if search on the web you will find things:D

What is that supposed to mean?

[G Ray88]

I would see if you could get your money back on your copy of XP-PRO, apply that to a Legal Copy of XP-PRO end of problem.
Or wait until Windows Longhorn is for sale. Good Luck:t

[KidKasha]

I do not mind buying a authentic copy, as I was foolish and should have suspected that it was phony. Does it make a differnece if it comes w/ sp1 or sp2, and if it is oem version, or can I buy an upgrade.

[Sterling_Aug]

OEM or upgrade should work fine for you.

[Strawbs]

If you buy the SP1 version, you may end up having to download the very large SP2 fix from the web! it's a huge file of over 250MB, but it's ultimately your choice as to whether you want the lastest security patch or not.