I am currently using a NON Genuine Copy of Windows XP Pro SP2. Around 5 years ago, I bought a genuine copy of Windows XP (Windows XP Home Edition SP1) and I still have the CD. Is there a way to use this CD to make my current copy genuine without have to format and re-install Windows?
2007-02-13 04:52:17 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Probably not. Altho it is not fair, Microsoft is not interested in fair, they want you to buy still ANOTHER copy of Windows, on the same computer, to do this. You see, because one copy of Windows has SP2 and another has SP1, the key numbers will likely be different. And, since SP2 is newer than SP1, Microsoft wont let you DOWNGRADE, but only UPGRADE. This is another great reason to dump Microsoft and get kubuntu for free at www.kubuntu.org
2007-02-13 05:00:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can change the key...
You have to edit the windows registry! I can't remember how to do it off hand, but there are a few ways, you can find one at
http://www.irintech.com/x1/blogarchive.php?id=418
Scroll down until you see the paragraph that starts off, "The script method is the practical solution for changing"
No promises that this will work, it's not the method that I know, but it looks legit!
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I completely forgot about a program that you can use...you can download it from
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
When you run the program it should show your current CD Key, if you click "Options" and then "Change Windows Key' you can change it to your legit key...but this will not bring you down to XP Home, just give you your CD Key. You will have to reinstall Window to install a legit copy. You could make a dual boot (especially if you have 2 or more hard drives) and install Win XP Home on one, then copy all your files over and get rid of your illegal copy!
2007-02-13 05:09:37 · answer #2 · answered by Brandon55 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You asking for something Microsoft does not allow you to do so all I can tell you in theory you could download a copy programe like "CD copy" or "CD rip" for a trial of 30 day's then put you copy of Xp into one drive an CDR in the other click the copy button select a medium speed and hey presto you got a Backup copy.If you only have 1 cd rom copy the disck to the harddrive and then burn the copy.nb. Nero don't like doing it (in bed with microsoft and others ) Take care!
2016-05-24 05:37:07 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The one on the computer is the one they look at for the registration code. You can try the key code, but I don't think it will take it. Your older, genuine copy can, of course, be updated to SP2 with all the patches and updates, but it's the one that has to show up as being the current operating system.
2007-02-13 04:57:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Each CD has its own "product key." When you activate, Windows takes the CD's product key, mixes it with information about your hardware, and comes up with an ID. That's how they catch people trying to install on two PCs.
Don't remember the exact page, but read it in my copy of WindowsXP Gigabook.
2007-02-13 05:02:55 · answer #5 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sadily no, you might be able to do an update but I doubt it. I would recomend backing up all of your data and installing windows home. then you can restore all of your data back again and have a clear concious (you will also be free of wga pop ups). Plus you will be in the legal clear. always a good thing.
2007-02-20 12:25:50 · answer #6 · answered by Jonathan C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why use illegal software when you can get free, reliable, up to date operating systems. Try UBUNTU, you will also get all of the software that you will ever need FREE!!!!
If you have 256mb of RAM get a full version. If less, get XUBUNTU.
2007-02-13 13:15:23 · answer #7 · answered by hitechsleuth 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, each CD has its own product key
2007-02-20 23:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by Boy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, because that's xp pro, and they won't give away the pro title for free.......
2007-02-13 05:34:34 · answer #9 · answered by Albert M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋