how to get legit?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dave
  • Start date Start date
D

Dave

My dad bought a computer from some place a few months
ago. I don't know if it was a computer company, a person,
or what. I don't even know if there was a COA or license
or any of that... I haven't seen it.

In trying to update a printer driver, a message appeared
to him stating that the product key was invalid and that
the OS was illegal. The screen then goes black and there
is no way to do anyting with the computer.

I want to get him legal with his Win XP, but I have
questions.

We've ordered a legit copy of Windows XP Home. Is it
possible to install this legit verion of Windows without
losing all of the previous files and settings? How should
that be done?

I am sorry that I don't have more information about "where
and who"... I just want to get this fixed for him so the
computer works again.,

Thanks for any help,
Dave
 
Error Message: The Product Key Used to Install Windows Is Invalid
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;326904

Only way to fix the problem is to perform a repair install
using a new XP CD and Product Key. Afterward, visit
the Windows Update web site to download all the critical
patches and updates.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]


--
Nicholas

----------------------------------------------------------------------


| Thanks, Doug.
|
| But according to my dad, he can't even boot the computer
| to the desktop -- the display goes black after the XP
| welcome screen. Is that something you've ever seen? I
| haven't heard of that. WOuld it be differnt in safe
| mode? Maybe it's a hardware issue too?
|
| Thanks,
| Dave.
|
| >-----Original Message-----
| >http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-
| us;321636
| >How to Change the Product ID in Windows XP
| >
| >--
| >Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows XP/ Windows Smart Display
| >Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
| >http://www.dougknox.com
| >--------------------------------
| >Associate Expert
| >ExpertZone - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
| >--------------------------------
| >Please reply only to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
| >Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.
| >
| >| >> My dad bought a computer from some place a few months
| >> ago. I don't know if it was a computer company, a
| person,
| >> or what. I don't even know if there was a COA or
| license
| >> or any of that... I haven't seen it.
| >>
| >> In trying to update a printer driver, a message appeared
| >> to him stating that the product key was invalid and that
| >> the OS was illegal. The screen then goes black and
| there
| >> is no way to do anyting with the computer.
| >>
| >> I want to get him legal with his Win XP, but I have
| >> questions.
| >>
| >> We've ordered a legit copy of Windows XP Home. Is it
| >> possible to install this legit verion of Windows without
| >> losing all of the previous files and settings? How
| should
| >> that be done?
| >>
| >> I am sorry that I don't have more information
| about "where
| >> and who"... I just want to get this fixed for him so
| the
| >> computer works again.,
| >>
| >> Thanks for any help,
| >> Dave
| >
| >
| >.
| >
 
As the computer restarts keep pressing the F8 key to get to the Advanced
menu and then select Last Known Good Configuration. See if that fixes the
problem. But you are right. He should go legit and that might be the only
way to get his system working again.
 
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