Illegal XP - uninstall or repair?

[Guest]

I bought my PC with an illegal copy of Windows XP Pro installed, and have now
bought a legal copy. Should I uninstall the illegal one and install the legal
one, or, as someone has suggested, do a repair?

 

[Guest]

I would complete a full reformat of the PC and reinstall the OS with the
legal copy, this is the safest bet legally.

 

[TaurArian [MS-MVP]]

The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for users attempting to change
their current non-genuine Product Key to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key -
all without a reinstall! see instructions
www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx
The Key Update Tool will attempt an automatic internet activation but it that's not
possible, the key will be changed regardless and you'll have to telephone to activate.


--

====================================
TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
====================================
How to make a good post: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
Backup and data recovery: http://www.acronis.com/
Enhancing file system performance: http://www.diskeeper.com/defrag.asp


|I bought my PC with an illegal copy of Windows XP Pro installed, and have now
| bought a legal copy. Should I uninstall the illegal one and install the legal
| one, or, as someone has suggested, do a repair?

 

[Poprivet]

I would complete a full reformat of the PC and reinstall the OS with
the legal copy, this is the safest bet legally.

AND, you'll also be certain that any trojans viruses & other malware are
gone too! You never know what malware might be on a stranger's PC.

Pop`

 

[Guest]

I would complete a full reformat of the PC and reinstall the OS with the
legal copy, this is the safest bet legally.

Thank you very much for your reply. Can you please explain what a "full
reformat" means, and how I do it?

 

[Guest]

The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for users attempting to change
their current non-genuine Product Key to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key -
all without a reinstall! see instructions
www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx
The Key Update Tool will attempt an automatic internet activation but it that's not
possible, the key will be changed regardless and you'll have to telephone to activate.


--

====================================
TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
====================================
How to make a good post: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
Backup and data recovery: http://www.acronis.com/
Enhancing file system performance: http://www.diskeeper.com/defrag.asp


|I bought my PC with an illegal copy of Windows XP Pro installed, and have now
| bought a legal copy. Should I uninstall the illegal one and install the legal
| one, or, as someone has suggested, do a repair?


Thanks very much for your reply. If I use this tool, will it 'activate' the Help and Support menu, and other features that I cant access?

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thank you very much for your reply. Can you please explain what a
"full reformat" means, and how I do it?

What he means is to wipe *everything* off your drive and reinstall Windows
and all your applications from scratch. This a draconian solution that is
very seldom required. There are much easier ways of dealing with the
problem. You should use the link TaurArian supplied you.

To answer the question you asked in another message to TaurArian: "If I use
this tool, will it 'activate' the Help and Support menu, and other features
that I cant access?" no, if you are having other such problems, they are not
related to this. Describe those problems in another message.

 

[neil]

If you have bought XP retail full version with SP2 then do a repair install.
Neil

 

[Guest]

If you have bought XP retail full version with SP2 then do a repair install.
Neil


Thank you Neil - what is your view on the Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool? A few people have told me this is OK too!

 

[Guest]

The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for users attempting to change
their current non-genuine Product Key to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key -
all without a reinstall! see instructions
www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx
The Key Update Tool will attempt an automatic internet activation but it that's not
possible, the key will be changed regardless and you'll have to telephone to activate.


--

====================================
TaurArian [MS-MVP] 2005-2007 - Australia
====================================
How to make a good post: http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
Backup and data recovery: http://www.acronis.com/
Enhancing file system performance: http://www.diskeeper.com/defrag.asp


|I bought my PC with an illegal copy of Windows XP Pro installed, and have now
| bought a legal copy. Should I uninstall the illegal one and install the legal
| one, or, as someone has suggested, do a repair?

I have discovered that I have a Corporate Edition of XP - will the Update
Tool work with this? I have been told that a corporate edition does not
require activation.

 

[Guest]

Well, success! I completed the repair install and everything went OK, except
for one thing - it wouldn't accept the VIA AC'97 Enhanced Audio Controller
(WDM) - something about not having the Windows logo, and suggested I not
install it as it may cause damage to my computer. Hence I have no sound, and
the screen is wavy when scrolling. Can anyone suggest an alternative please?
Or should I just go ahead and install it? It seems to be a multi-media sound,
video & game controller.
Thanks guys for all your suggestions@