Help with Windows XP?

Question

I have a pirate copy of Windows XP at the moment, but I found my original copy and tried to upgrade it and change the cd key to make my current version legit, but it doesn't work.
How can I make my current OS legit without having to reformat it?

Answer 1

This article at Microsoft may not seem to apply to you at first, but if you follow the directions, it will come to a point where you can enter your correct product key:



http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=328874



Hope this helps you!





.

Answer 2

I have an application somewhere at home but cannot remember the name of the file. Did a little searching and came up with this procedure with an edit to your registry.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/ht/changexpkey.htm

As is states, with any registry change, backup your current settings with the export function.



Good luck.

Answer 3

There is a way if you have Windows XP Pro. I'll email you.

Answer 4

You can't. You'll have to rebuild windows. One suggestion when you do this is to partition your drive so XP is on it's own partition (or XP and your programs). This way you don't have to worry about backing up data when you have to reinstall windows.