Can you install a new OEM version of XP Pro over a cracked version of XP pro?

Do a Google search for "change xp key." You may be able to simply change the pirated key to the new, legitimate product key.

The problem I have is that I cant even get passed the login part od XP pro. I put in my password . Then it says would you like to activate windows. I say yes, The desktop shows up and says ( WINDOWS HAS ALLREADY BEEN ACTIVATED ) goes back to login screen and the begings to restart again. If there is a way around this great, if not and I buy the OS can I insatll over the cracked version? Thanks

Well if you get a legit XP CD then just put the CD in and reboot and let it boot from the CD and it will ask if you want to install windows.. and you can do a fresh install. Unless I am guessing you are trying to save the stuff you already have on XP?? Is that why you want to copy over the cracked one?? And from what I gather now you are not really even able to get into XP since it keeps asking you to activate?? Unless you really have stuff you have to save I would do a fresh install. BUT.. if you stick in a legit CD and just have it do a “repair” where it deletes the windows files and then reinstalls them. I guess someone else would have to answer that. My guess is that it should do it But I am not 100%

Thanks DJ, I think I will wait for someone to post thats 100 % sure.. Thanks for the info.

Getting a 100% guarantee on any computer problem is pretty tough. For your problem, I think it's very likely that you will not even reach 90%.

If the repair current version option (a repair installation routine) doesn't work, i.e. it won't it won't allow you to repair the current/pirated version (i.e. overwrite it)... then install the "legit" version alongide it - as a fresh/clean install (usual cd boot or the 5 floppies + CD boot). Decline either to change current partition/drive/file format(s), or to reformat etc., any partitions/drives. You will have a dual-boot XP/XP with the legit version (already) set as default OS to boot. Boot to it and verify you can access/see data etc.; unless you've been very unlucky/careless it should all be there. The second version will (ought to) go in as something other than winnt (the usual default for Pro); typically it will be windows, but you could change that to something else - perhaps winnt-2 (which is what I would do/use...). Presuming all is well with new version/installation, (and you will need to include appropriate sp and also to install all appps/utils for this second version at some stage) delete the original/pirated version (via Explore in the legit version). Also edit out the reference to it in the boot.ini; reboot to verify all is still OK with new version; and then presuming so... empty recycle-bin and defrag the drive.... Repair installation "how to..." http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm http://www.windowsreinstall.com/ They all discuss it to varying lengths...