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Greetings,
I have hotel in extreme southern Mexico and had a local "guru" (American) build custom computer for my office. He used a copy of XP Pro with a "public key", in his words. I am now bombarded with warnings about invalid OS, etc, from M$. Cannot get any updates, etc. I purchased new copy of XP Pro, with product key and want to install on top of "suspect" XP Pro. I cannot afford to lose anything on my computer! All hotel files..reservatons, etc are there. I regularly back up to external drive. Should I expect any problems because of this "public key" software? Thanks so much.
DAVE in Xcalak
If you back up all your files to external drive, even if something bad happens, you can always format the computer & reinstall from your legitimate XP CD and then just transfer your important files back. (This is what I would do anyway to avoid any problems with validation.)
However, if you are comfortable working in the Windows registry, here is Microsoft's solution to your problem without having to re-install:
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tierramaya
If you are running a business and don't have a backup system in place you are living dangerously. I suggest you immediately get a way to backup your critical files. You could get a USB external drive and backup to that. After backing up your files then follow the instruction in the link Sabertooth provided.
You could also buy a second harddrive and install it as the primary Master drive. Then install your new copy of Windows to that drive keeping the old drive for backup.
One other thing to note. If the person that built the computer for you also installed other pirated software like MSoft Office for instance, you may need to buy them too.
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Thanks for quick response, to all! I went to link suggested by two of you, and the first thing I noticed was a "Warning! This applies to Volume licensing only! If you try this with OEM (which is what I have) or retail versions, it will not change your product key!" That got me a little nervous. Not quite sure what my next step will be. Except for annoying reminders about the validity of OS, and inability to get Service Paks, everything works (little slow at times). Maybe I should just count my blessings and trudge on! Ideas?
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You need to backup your business files at the very least. Once you do that you could just start over with the new CD.
Look at the link below for a program that should allow you to change your product key.
Just reread your original post. If you regularly backup all files what are you afraid of? Why not just reinstall using the new CD and key?
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2...
Edit to add: If the versions of WinXP are different I am not sure this will work properly. I don't think it will screwup your installation but it may not solve the problem with the updates. Best to just do a new install.
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There's the Product Key Update Tool from M$ if you are unable to get legal using the previous method.
Good luck!
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You can also downlaod and use the Magic Jellybean Keyfinder applications (google it). It will allow you to change the product key on-the-fly.
Michael J
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It doesn't allow you to change the key, it allows you to see it.
Also, Othehill, read people's posts. He stated that he backs up regularly.
Why serve in heaven when you can reign in hell?
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I went on Majorgeeks website and downloaded XP product key modifier. Ran it, entered new key, got message that operation was successful, re-booted, and was greeted by the same ol' "This copy of windows did not pass M$..you're at risk..yadda, yadda". Do I need to "register" this #? Do I need to make a phone call?
I was asked what I was afraid of, since I have backed everything up, etc, in regards to just "reformatting and installing new disc". You have to realize that I am very remote down here..no computer stores, no techs..nothing! If I do anything that results in a "new setback", I'm essentially out of business, as the computer is the only link I have with outside world. After four years, I did get a phone last week, so I can at least call for help. This is why I'm nervous about "pulling the plug". Thanks for continued interest in my saga.
Dave
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YOu do have mail order correct? If so, order yourself an external USB harddrive. Backup all the business and personal files on that drive.
Right click on My Computer, choose properties, and under General tab post exactly what that box says.
Did I understand you to say you bought a retail version of WinXP? What version is it? Home or professional?
You could verify with Microsoft that the new version is not also counterfeit by phone. Just giving then the key from the outside of the package should be enough. Then if it is a legal copy ask them for help. They are not in the business of trashing peoples computers and if you explain your situation I am pretty sure they will work with you to make you legal. Be aware they will propably want to know where the copy and key you are currently using came from.
If you prefer to be on the safe side you could verify the new key is legal and not disclose anything more to MSoft. You could just state you are suspicious because of the part of the world you live in. Explain that before you install that copy and use that key you want to make sure you are doing the right thing.
Most important of all is to maintain your backups and verify they are usable.
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I do receive mail, but have to drive 5 hours (round trip) to get it, and delivery is painfully slow here (I'm just now getting Xmas cards that were mailed in November!!). I have two external drives (one for my Mac), and this is what I use to back up my data, as stated in earlier post. Properties of my windows machine:
Microsoft Windows XP
Professional
Ver 2002
Service Pak 2
Registered to: name
key number
I purchased an OEM (not retail) copy, still sealed, on eBay from an electronics store with a long record and a 99% satisfaction rate. They assured me the software would work just fine. I believe them. Also, bear in mind that I never said I was using a counterfeit copy of XP. I said that the key code used was a "public key"(the tech's words). These are used by techs during the day-to-day operations of their business. It works just fine, but is not eligible for updates, etc.
I think I'll give M$ a call (on my new phone!) and see where that takes me. Thanks.
Dave
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Does this PC have a cd-rw , can you burn files to disk ? What you need to do is burn all important files / folders to disk, then install the new version of XP..Installing new version of XP will over right all of your old files so they will be lost...
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tierramaya
Is the Copy of WinXP you bought also Professional?
I used the word conterfeit loosely. MSoft calls these "public keys". The CD itself had no key inside. The key is what is not legal. You probably bought an OEM version. If it is also WinXP pro I don't understand why the program to change the key didn't work. As was stated you can simply format and install the nwe version, using the accompanying key. The issue is that all third party software and personal files will be gone after doing that. So you will need to have the following available. The drivers for your system hardware as you may not be able to get online until some of them are installed. The installation disks for any third party software you currently use, including any registration information for programs like Quickbooks.
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@Celsius
You know if you're going to "correct" someone you should be very certain of your position.
In response to my suggestion of using Magic Jellybean Keyfinder you stated: "It doesn't allow you to change the key, it allows you to see it."
In fact that application DOES let you change the key. I have used it myself and the home page for the application has this note about the current version: "This version is a quick bug fix to remedy the broken "Change Windows Key" in Windows XP."
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/key...
Michael J
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Celsius, in regards to your #9 response, take your own advice. Reread my #5 response. You will see I stated I reread the OP and corrected myself. If you find it necessary to troll at least keep it to yourself.
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..in the words of the very lovely and talented Rodney King...."Can't we all just get along?"
Thank you.
I think what's perplexing me is..most suggestions involving total re-formatting always include.."of course, you'll need all the drivers and discs and programs to re-install. I thought that what back-up was for!? If I have my entire drive-C backed up, can't I just shuffle it back on to new installation? I have no desire to start hunting down drivers, etc. If it's on drive-C, then I have them on my external back-up drive! Right? Wrong?
Dave
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I don't know what kind of backup you have on the External drive. That said if it is an image of the current drive using that image would then put you right back where you are. You tried the Majorgeeks utility, don't know if you tried Magic Jelly bean of not. If these programs won't allow the key to be changed then either the type of Windows is different, the key you are trying to use is bad, or the programs just don't work.
I suggested you may have purchased a copy of Windows with a bad key. No need to rehash that point. If the key is good and the utilities still can't change the key then I only see two choices. Either get Microsoft to help you, or start from scratch. If you start from scratch you need to be sure the key you have is legitimate. I am not saying it isn't but if it isn't you may not be able to finish and register the installation. You have stressed how important it is that you not be put in that position.
There are many series of registration keys for WinXP. Retail versions of home and pro would both have different series, OEM versions are different and finally the versions linked to hardware from one vendor, like Dell. These different series of keys are not interchangable. For example you can't use a legal OEM key on any full retail version. This may be why the key changer program isn't working.
OEM versions are intended for use on a new computer. You can't upgrade with the CD you have. This may also be the reason the key changing software isn't working.
At any rate the sure way to solve it is to start over. That requires installing the Motherboard chipset drivers, the intgrated hardware drivers, the updates not on the CD you installed from and then installing any third party software.
Extracting the drivers from the backup is not a practicality. Furthermore you may not have all the latest drivers available.
If you can't update you obviously don't have SP2 or the post SP2 updates.
Collecting this stuff is not that big a deal at this time. Where it becomes problematic is after you format the drive and don't have the files. That is why I suggested you collect them now. You can download SIW.exe to find out what MBoard you have so you can go to the manufacturer's site to download the correct driveres.
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Thank you. I'll take it from here!
Dave (sunny skies, 88 degrees, calm Caribbean waters)..we should all have such problems!
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Everything you need to fix your Windows install is available at the link posted in response #7 ;-)
EDIT: use the RAR file
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