Windows XP forum: Help, I need to make my Windows XP system legit again

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).

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.

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 todays prices, I cant 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 CDs 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

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

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.

I will not provide the bypass to Microsofts 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.

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!

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

While XP is probably the most stable of recent MS products (and one of the easiest to use), it is no longer available (then again, you may find it available at a computer show, where used computers and other computer related articles are sold).

My recommendation would be to get Kubuntu (this is a Linux OS, which is shipped at no cost from http://www.kubuntu.org/). For an older laptop, this OS will recognize all hardware, and should work straight up from day one. The Kubuntu interface is similar to XP, so the learning curve is quite easy.

Kubuntu is a free, user-friendly operating system based on the K Desktop Environment and on the award winning Ubuntu operating system. With a biannual release cycle and at least 18 months of free security updates for each release, it is the secure, stable computing environment you've been waiting for.

Don't hesistate and go buy the Vista version.

It can be down easily by going to the Windows Updats site. During the process that tells you that you are NOT legal you have to option to buy XP direct from Microsoft....IMHO

Chances are the guy who sold you the Windows Box used a compromised corporate registration code, and some creative hacking to install and run XP Pro on the box. Then, when "Windows Genuine Advantage" came out, your system started going crazy telling you that you're going to hell cause you're one of the worst pirates ever to roam the internet, or something to that affect. This scenario isn't uncommon at all.

The first thing you should do, is go out and buy a legitimate retail copy of Windows XP Pro. You should be able to find one or two online or maybe even at your local computer retailer. Sticking with XP Pro is my recommendation as you already know it works on your system and doesn't have any incompatibilities. Upgrading to Vista could be more headache than it's worth as you don't know if there are drivers for all of your old hardware, or even if your machine is robust enought to run Vista well.

Back up all of your files, and dig out copies of your original installed software, then simply do a clean install of Windows XP from the retail disc and you're golden & legit. Once the new install is complete, you'll not only be fully legitimate, but, you'll have the added bonus of knowing you are spyware and virus free! If you need help on the install, there are great tutorials on the web. (Find them and print them out BEFORE you wipe your machine)

And don't worry, the secret file that microsoft has on you probably won't land you on the no fly list.

I had a simalar problem. I had a Tech version upgrade for XP Pro, that allowed 10 units to upgrade, and Widows updated for a long time. Then when SP2 upgrade came out, it could not verify my license.
Windows Update took me thru the steps to get a license for my OS- Operating System and sent a disk for it, too. Go to Window Update site and let it verify your version, the it will give you options to make it legal. Yes, you will have to pay a fee and it is kind of high, but a reasonable fee to keep your system updated.

Good luck,
Bruce P.

Hi Gary,

This is if you have a disk already for the computer: Very similar situation happened to me when I generously gave my old laptop with XP on it to my cousin. Not the best way to wipe the data, but I decided to use what I thought was the disk that came with my laptop (I have many computers and evidently thought this one was for the model I had. So I did a re-install and it would not allow my to install it. It had asked how many times this disk was installed and I answered incorrectly and would not load and then asked for a key code. I did not, but a number came up to call MS and they were awesome. They gave me the code I needed and even hand held the process while on the call. It loaded with no problems. I did, however have to then download (the computer manufacturer helped with this as well)the drivers for that particular laptop. All went well and worked fine.

Now for your question as to going out and buying XP or Vista, you should be able to purchase and load without any problems. I would call MS first though just to make sure, but I cannot see any problems with that as you are buying the SW and license outright to load. I am sure some others may be able to confirm this.

have your computer cleaned out and buy a new windows xp and install then you should be ok.