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UPGRADE WINDOWS XP MEDIA TO XP PRO

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9 replies

by jlpippin

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I JUST BOUGHT THE XP PRO UPDATE CD FROM OFFICE DEPOT.
I INSTALL THE CD, CHOOSE TO UPDATE "RECOMENDED", TYPE IN THE KEY, AND I GET AN ERROR SAYING "THE CD KEY WICH YOU ENTERED IN IS INVALID. PLEASE TRY AGAIN"
I HAVE TRIED NUMERIOUS TIMES WITH CAPPS ON AND OFF, USING THE NUMBER BOARD AND NOT, SAYING NICE WORDS AND NOT....:) I HAVE ALSO TURNED OFF THE ANTIVIRUS...NO GOOD. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGESTIONS? TRIED TO CONTACT MICROSOFT, CANT GET THROUGH..
THANKS ALL!!!

9 replies

by thumbsup2

.... the key that came with the upgrade CD and NOT the one on the side of your computer (Media)? The upgrade needs it's own key which may be on the box or it may be on the CD case itself.

Also, are you trying to upgrade a bootlegged copy of Windows Media, or is it legit AND activated/validated?

by jlpippin

I bought the computer from Best Buy and it was installed by the Geek Squad to replace the crashed computer I had.
I am using the Product Key that came with the upgrade CD. I am not sure if the media was activated or validated though....good question, would that make a diference? If so, how do I cactvate/validate? I've hade this computer about 2 years now.

by tig2

As you have validatible media in your hand, they should be able to get you through this. They may be understaffed because of the holidays. Just hang in there.

Good luck!

by jlpippin

Now that I found out that I cant do it, I will get the full version or another computer. I will try Microsoft again.
Thanks again for the help!!

by triathlete1981

I had the same problem. Got an MCE computer and needed to put in XP Pro. Since I couldn't, I installed Server 2003 instead and then installed XP Pro. That worked.

I don't think that'll work with an XP Pro upgrade CD, but at least if you have something like Windows 98 or 2000 or Server 2003 available, it'll save getting another computer. And besides, don't get a whole new computer, buy a new hard drive.

by willcomp

If you have an older version of Windows (98, 98SE, Me, W2K)or XP Home, install it and then the upgrade.

by bincarnato

There isn't much gained from upgrading to XP Pro from Media Center. Only thing that you may want to do it for is to be able to join a domain. Sounds as if you are a home user and would have no use for that anyway, so why bother? Take it back and get your money back. If you do need to join a domain, search the net for the registry edit that will enable that functionality.

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