Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Not Genuine XP Pro

0 helpful
7 replies

by rlarno

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
I am currently fixing a Dell PC which originally had XP Home installed. Client upgrade to XP Pro with an illegal copy. PC now gets notification the copy of OS is not genuine and offers an option to purchase a legal copy. Can the PC be reverted to Home XP preserving the settings and applications. would a repair with the Home CD work

7 replies

by hal 9000

[b]YES![/b]

But the Upgrade CD may be genuine and have had the Product Key recognised as a Pirate copy by SP1, SP2 or WGA at each of these MS has supplied replacement Product Keys but you need to prove that you have a genuine copy by reading the numbers off the inner ring of the CD.

Also if you [b]Do Not[/b]] have Live Update turned on you'll get this error message as well.

Col

by idowindows

Even if you could, Would you honestly feel comfortable reverting after XP Pro partly made its way in? Those warnings will drive your client insane. Nothing brings more peace of mind to my clients than an uncompromised install from scratch...Home will just have to do or a legal copy would have to be purchased.

by g...

I must partly agree with idowindows. But instead of installing from scratch I would want him to buy the XP pro.
This could be argued long. I don't like the prices of windows either (and many others) but that's the way it is. If you want a product, pay for it (or at least don't get caught).

by g...

I must partly agree with idowindows. But instead of installing from scratch I would want him to buy the XP pro.
This could be argued long. I don't like the prices of windows either (and many others) but that's the way it is. If you want a product, pay for it (or at least don't get caught).

by donaldcoe

First I will admit there may be a lot of answers, depending on the time you may or may not want to invest. All new Dell workstations come with a "Restore CD" and a Windows Product Key label which is attached to the chassis. My preferred method is to boot from the Restore CD and delete the Primary Partition and then let the Restore CD do it's thing. When asked what the Product Key is insert info from the label.

Additionally some "Advice" Don't Mess With Genuine unless you have a legite copy and a unused and unactivated Product Key. The software will let you install without to many issues but soon as you go to the Microsoft web for the updates the verification process begins with "Software Must Be Activated" type issues and the monkey's fingers turn to claws.

This discussion is closed to new replies.