Replace OS With Genuine?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bilbo
  • Start date Start date
B

Bilbo

A new client has three workstations which have suddenly (in the last
month or so) begun announcing that their WinXP SP2 is not genuine?

It APPEARS that they were originally pre-loaded with XP Home but were
later updated to Win XP Pro SP2.

There are other applications on the drives that need to be saved.

Client simply wants to fix the problem. He doesn't want to get
involved in a "witch-hunt" trying to pin the blame on anyone. He just
wants the problem fixed. He's willing to buy new Genuine product.

Several questions occur:

a) Why would these platforms run without this message for six months
and suddenly start complaining?

b) Is there a known mal-ware infector that produces such a result?

c) Is there a way to replace with Genuine Windows XP without having to
reformat the HDD and reload all applications?

TIA...
 
a. Microsoft has been making changes and some of them notify Windows users
of the possibility theirs is pirated.

b. I am sure there are some.
Malware writers care less than users than almost anyone.

c. In these conditions, Windows XP Home is not possible since there is no
downgrade path from Pro to home.
You will need to acquire 3 licenses for Windows XP Pro.
This tool may help once you have the legitimate licenses:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx
If that tool does not work, a Repair Installation using the new legitimate
CD and Product Key will need to be performed:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm

I can understand about not wanting to get into a witch hunt, but something
needs to be done so this is less likely to be done in the future.
Some firm policies with firm and hard consequences need to be set down so if
someone did this deliberately, they can expect to be hit hard.
Many place will fire someone instantly for making unauthorized changes to
the computers.

Also see:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm
 
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