2007-07-16 11:42:22 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
You will need to purchase one from Microsoft if yours is invalid, or call them to see what they can do for you.. Good Luck
2007-07-16 11:46:00 · answer #1 · answered by Devil Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you bought the computer with XP already installed on it there is a very high chance that it is a pirate or a copy that has been used more than once. To get a valid product key you would have to buy a new key from Microsoft or the sealed CD XP software from a reliable vendor.
Andy
2007-07-16 20:36:00 · answer #2 · answered by randyandy_uk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way you will get a valid Windows XP key is to go out and purchase a very small item, and then the computer store will sell you Windows XP OEM, at around $98.00 if you reside in the United States.
And for sure Microsoft will validate your key with the Windows Genuine Advantage Tool.
If you are using a stolen key you will find yourself in serious trouble, because Microsoft copies your hardware in your system and your IP address, and if they desire they can shut you down, or nag the hell out of you to purchase a genuine key.
Minddoctor, France
2007-07-16 13:01:47 · answer #3 · answered by MINDDOCTOR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know it is not valid? If you get a message telling you that your copy of Windows is "not genuine" then if you view the details of the message there should be a link to a Microsoft web site that will let you buy a product key. The rates Microsoft charge are comparable to those for a new copy of windows so the deal is not that bad.
2007-07-16 11:47:47 · answer #4 · answered by Alan_B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try and download the latest updates for windows, this will lead you to the option to pay around £96 for a product key they even throw in a CD with windows on it.
Microsoft have made changes to their systems and many of the old cracks for XP no longer pass validation
There are new cracks around ( so I have heard ) and some of them work, but it is against the law
2007-07-16 12:05:14 · answer #5 · answered by donot.passgo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can report piracy to Microsoft here:
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/piracy/report/how/default.mspx
For a while they were giving away legal copies to people who had unknowingly purchased illegal copies. I'm not sure if they still do that though.
Where did you get your copy of XP? Did you obtain it from what you believed was a legitimate source? If so you might want to contact them.
2007-07-16 11:49:20 · answer #6 · answered by SilverKing 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should be asking this question at the help option of the Microsoft website instead of Yahoo! questions and answers.
2007-07-16 11:46:00 · answer #7 · answered by Denise T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
email microsoft tell your problem or contact where you bought the pc from
2007-07-16 11:48:45 · answer #8 · answered by minty359 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honesty doesn't pay.
2007-07-16 11:47:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋