Pretty far-out, huh!?
I can only figure that your issue of XP was registered in your name only.
(And that you're not allowed to share.)
It was explained to me (back in the days of Windows 95 & 98), that you're allowed to buy the right to install your personal issue of a Micro$oft OS on just one PC ONLY!
AND, once installed on that PC, your OS-issue cannot be kept & used for any other PC what-so-ever, (in the event that you sell the PC which your OS-issue was installed on).
PLUS, you were not allowed to leave your OS-issue on the PC, if & when you sell that PC.
Yep, (as i understood the deal to be), once your issue of a M$ OS was registered to your personal-self, it was then yours for life,
AND that OS-issue was only allowed to be installed on just one PC, forever & ever!!
So if ya wanted to get your money's-worth (for your purchase of the right to use the OS), then ya had to keep your PC (which the OS was first installed on), until you felt that you got your money's-worth.
Now that gives ya a good understanding of how M$ got so big & rich!
Fortunately, it seems that they've let up on the restraints of at least some of all their greedy requirements.
If anybody out there KNOWS that I was wrong about any of what I've written, then please reply with your (FACTUAL) knowledge.
But, if ya work(ed) for M$, then please don't use any of their legal-mumbo-jumbo, (which they must know that nobody really understands).
It *IS* installed on ONLY ONE COMPUTER.
Let me repeat that:
It *IS* installed on ONLY ONE COMPUTER.
We are talking only THE *SEPARATE ***DESKTOPS*** FOR EACH USER ON THE SAME COMPUTER.
If I update/add/etc. something that requires MS authentication, I am fine.
If my wife is working on her desktop on the same copy of XP/same computer MS says it's NOT a legitimate copy. (Which kinda defeats the entire concept of multiple desktops, wouldn't you say?)
There. Clearer now?
I had a desktop PC and the hard drive failed so I had to buy a new HDD and also an XP disk because it was pre-installed on the machine. This was about 4 years ago and I have had no trouble with it at all.
get a legal disk and do a repair install or if everything is working perfect on the machine just change the cd code on your machine to the new one on the purchased new disk
You have several options for correcting an Invalid, Illegal, Not Genuine, Jacked, Pirated, Counterfeit, Hot or not exactly legit copy of Windows XP. However, I would first see if the person that you purchased the computer from will make good on it. You may also find that your copy of Windows is actually legal and is just an error at Microsoft or a code key error during installation. I do have to say that, at today’s prices, I can’t really see a good reason to purchase a used computer in the first place. But that may be just me. If the seller will not help you, here are some of the options available to you: NOTE: I am not going to get into the licensing issues, legalities or moral responsibilities of what you should and should not do or what you can get away with: Plus you did not mention whether or not this is a name brand computer or a custom built clone which can change some of the options that are available to you. Also keep in mind that most of the options below may require that you reinstall Windows XP from scratch with the exception of purchasing the Genuine conversion directly from Microsoft.
1. Call Microsoft if you believe that the message is in error – If you believe that you have a legitimate Copy of Windows XP and you have a valid Microsoft Sticker on the side or back of your computer that matches the version of Windows that is installed, you can call Microsoft and see if you can correct the problem.
2. Purchase a full Retail Version of Windows XP Pro $299 (Staples) – You can still purchase a new Full version of Windows XP from many retailers or websites.
3. Purchase an OEM version of Windows XP Pro – If this is a no name brand computer that some one built, you may qualify for an OEM version of Windows XP which would cost a lot less than a retail version.
4. Purchase an Upgrade version of Windows XP Pro $199 (Staples) – Technically, but not legally, you could purchase an upgrade version of XP as long as you have a CD for Windows 98, ME or 2000 hanging around. You will need to reinstall Windows and present the older CD when asked.
5. Call the Manufacturer and order a Recovery CD Kit (usually about $25) – If this is a name brand computer such as Dell, HP, Compaq or Sony, you may be able to order a set of recovery CD’s or a Windows CD from the manufacturer for far less than purchasing Windows XP at retail.
6. Upgrade your current version to a valid (Genuine) install through Microsoft (~$149) – Probably the easiest thing to do is to simple pay Microsoft to convert your current copy of Windows XP to a legitimate version. In most cases, but not all, you will not be required to reinstall Windows.
7. Purchase a copy of Windows XP on ebay or Craigs List (<$100) – You can probably find a great deal if you look around, however, just like the computer you purchased, you never know what you are really getting and whether or not it is really a legitimate copy or not.
8. Hold off and purchase a copy of Windows 7 when it comes out – If your computer has a fairly fast processor, decent video and enough memory, I would probably just hold off until Windows 7 comes out and then put out the bucks to purchase that.
9. Disable the Nagging NOT GENUINE message – Even though I do not recommend it, you can find all kinds of instructions on how to stop the nagging Microsoft Genuine message. However, you will not receive any updates which leaves your computer vulnerable, but that is up to you.
Dana
Wayland Computer
In short, yess you will have to purchase a legit copy of XP. I would do this. All the etailers sell OEM copies of XP. Go to one of them and purchase 'Windows XP Professional SP3 OEM' the going price is approx 134.95 right now.
It is my understanding that Microsoft currently plans to update only this version of XP until 2014, not the other versions of XP which are a little less costly right now. Watch what you buy.
This will buy you (1) license for only the computer you are using and will be tied to that motherboard only. You can change other hardware such as the HD, DVD, VGA Card, but not the motherboard unless the motherboard is exactly the same as the one you currently have. Under certain circumstances Microsoft may let you 'reactivate' but you have to call.
Best of luck,
Jakeman97
Many have responded as to how to obtain a legit Licence key. Once obtained used a program called Keyfinder. Simply run the program and enter yor License key. Thats all there is to it. No need to reinstall, update, upgrade etc. Neat and tidy.
Clackas
I ran into that problem back a while ago. I was trying to get updates from microsofts web sites, as you know they check you o/s fist as it turned out mine was not legit so i bought a new key (this is the o/s serial number which how they tell if you o/s is fake) and in stalled it so i would be legit, and so i have been able to update my system from here on. you can follow this without having to lose or reformating you unit as well. also this is just one way of doing it. you can also buy a o/s cd and installing a fresh copy as well but this takes a bit of time to do so choice is yours.
Glassman the druid.
Hi', Gary,
You should have no problem in renewing your XP Pro. OS Disk
but you will probably find that it will be an OEM Edition
no problems there though.
Just make sure that you purchase from a reputable site
one I purchased fairly recentely cost me £74.00p. including postage.
Amazon may be worth having a look at, just a suggestion.
Harry.
Purchase a license from Microsoft (not the best solution as you have no disk).
OR
Go to Newegg.com and purchase an OEM version of XP along with a piece of hardware (required for OEM versions).
I will not provide the bypass to Microsoft’s inane activation scheme. But the following Google might be a starting place.
Google:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bypass+windows+XP+activation&aq=f&oq=
The name of the bypass is WPA_Kill and it is dated 9/20/2004 and is 72 kb in length.
You can probably register and they will likely charge for a new OS either Pro or Home but it's best to have them send you a CD with the OS on because when downloading the copies It's very hard to get a good copy online and sometimes the false sites try to entice you with other offers that may have viruses etc.
I bought a new P/C and installed my XP from my old P/C. Worried about legal issues, I installed "Ubuntu" on my old P/C. I love it. Open Office came with it as well as Firefox for the Internet and most drivers. I don't have photo software yet but my photos show nicely.
Best of all, it's FREE!
1) You can try contacting Microsoft and explain the situation. They have been known to issue a valid license for older OS versions with suspect pedigree in certain circumstances.
2) Although Microsoft stopped distribution of XP to retail outlets this past summer, you can still find legit full install copies many places online for under $100(do not buy an "upgrade" version). When doing a full installation, you can install whichever version you prefer. You will need to reformat your hard drive prior to installing the new OS. Don't forget to backup your data first, though.
3) Vista? It's an option, but I wouldn't. It will cost more to buy and Windows 7 will be out within a year, making Vista less viable in the long term.
4) 2 gigs of ram is fine for any OS, but any version of Vista other than Basic will require a decent video card with at least 256mb memory or more. Integrated video will work with Vista Basic, but not recommended for other versions of Vista.
I would buy XP pro or multi medea version XP.
You will run better if you have at least a 20gig HD
When it starts if you have the bios set to boot off Cd\dvd it wont take to long and you will have a happy XP computer. I would pick clean instal when you get that qwestion
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