I purchased a used PC with XP Pro installed, running and validated. But the CD was for the MS OS was not included. How do I know if the purchase is legal, and that the seller has not installed his \os on a another computer? The key is available in the OS but the tower bears no sticker. How do I know that a format and reinstall will show up genuine, or if the seller has used his XP Pro CD on another computer? Help please - I'm 75 and don't know these things! Thank you. Robert, South Africa.
Is the PC running and getting critical updates?
If so, then quit worrying and enjoy your PC.Some HELP in posting on Computing.net plus free progs and instructions 7 Medals
Do a search on the comp for i386 about 500 mb, if you have it, I will give you the info on how to use it so you have a XP CD or whatever medium you prefer. You will need to do this.
Folder Options
To access: Control Panel > Folder Options or My Computer or Windows Explorer > Tools > Folder Options, tick/check > Show hidden files and folders.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tut...
Thanks guys. I wish I had known these things before! Microsoft gave me 116 auto-updates (two missing according to a Belarc Advisor report - and then came the bombshell: Microsoft told me very nicely that I had purchased an XP Pro with a "blocked" key and that my install was illegal and that I had to buy a new XP Pro CD - I seem to remember MS quoted $49? Yes, I was a "victim" of an illegal purchase!
Fortunately a friend sold me an XP Pro CD for $6.00 with a valid key, which is now installed, registered and activated and has passed Microsoft's beady eye with full approval. I really appreciate all your advice and am so much the wiser now! Best regards to you all, and of course to Tom's Guide. I can't pick a "Best Answer" as I got excellent advice from all.
a friend sold me an XP Pro CD for $6.00 with a valid key,
Good luck with thatSome HELP in posting on Computing.net plus free progs and instructions 7 Medals
I do apologize - Microsoft's offer for a new XP Pro Cd was plus-minus $490.00 ZARands about R3500.00 (I cannot recall exactly what MS quoted me) and my friend charged me $60.00 for his unused XP Pro CD ( that is ZARands R399.00), which is still a terrific bargain. The 75 year-old memory ain't what it used to be! Thanks again.
The puzzle is why Microsoftt auto-updated the illegal XP Pro, and informed me that the key is a blocked key???
Nevertheless, from chaos to calm.
The puzzle is why Microsoftt auto-updated the illegal XP Pro, and informed me that the key is a blocked key??? This should read: "The puzzle is why Microsoft FIRST auto-updated the illegal XP Pro, and THEN informed me that the key is a blocked key." It seems I used the italics sign incorrectly...
I am not to sure, but I think they allow the auto update, so that they can send their genuine checking program. Then the program will tell you that the key is blocked.
Interesting, Joker123. Thank you for this insight.