How do I upgrade from illegal XP Pro Beta?

[keithdunlop]

Hello,

I am running an illegal Windows XP Pro beta version, and I want to buy a retail copy and reinstall so I can apply SP1 and SP2. The pimary reason for this is that I want to utilize the full size of a new 160 GB hard disk.

What is the best way to go about this? My plan was to run a repair installation using the new retail XP Pro upgrade CD. I have a legal full version of Windows 98SE to use for upgrade qualification.

Will this work?

Thanks!

[Panama Red]

If your present installation is a beta version, I'd strongly recommend a reformat and fresh install followed by SP2. No need for SP1 as an update. It's probably included with the install anyway. The 98se disk will work fine for the upgrade qualification. Just put it in the cd drive when it is called for, remove it and put the XP upgrade cd back in to continue the install.

[keithdunlop]

You really think I need a full reformat? The version I am running works absolutely flawlessly, I just can't activitate it and get the Service Packs. I'm not even sure it's a beta; I think it's just a pirated full version of XP Pro. I would prefer to avoid having to spend all night transferrring settings from my backup after the new install, if at all possible.

I've got the entire old disk copied with Casper, so if something didn't work with the new install, I can always revert to that data, right?

[Panama Red]

Reason I said format is because you used the term "beta". Mixing things could be the problem. If you've backed everything up, you can afford to try the repair and still be able to do a full install if necessary.

[autotran]

Originally Posted by keithdunlop You really think I need a full reformat? The version I am running works absolutely flawlessly, I just can't activitate it and get the Service Packs. I'm not even sure it's a beta; I think it's just a pirated full version of XP Pro. I would prefer to avoid having to spend all night transferrring settings from my backup after the new install, if at all possible. I've got the entire old disk copied with Casper, so if something didn't work with the new install, I can always revert to that data, right?

For this version of XP Pro, which you have, you should be able to download the full SP2 (266MB) from the MS web site and then execute this upgrade and it should install SP2 OK.

[Cricket]

I thought discussing illegal or pirated software was a no-no on this forum.

Cricket

[bigandy]

In most cases I would agree with you Cricket, but, to me anyway, since Keith wants to get rid of the illegal copy and purchase a legit copy, it is okay to discuss in this situation.

[andyms18a]

cant you just change the licence key from the old illegal copy to the new legit copy just run the actevation wizard and chose the option to change cd key

[Statica]

Moderator note: I'm going to summarize what others have said here before and then I am going to close this thread. It wasn't accidental that this thread was kept open (thanx for those reporting the thread); this is an attempt to clear the legality issues of your illegal software. keithdunlop: I hope your question has been answered sufficiently.

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If you have a beta version of Windows XP or one that is limited by a time period. You have no choice but to backup relevant data; and do a fresh install of a legal copy of XP.
If you are using an illegal license of XP Pro and wish to change the serial number, read this resource: http://www.petri.co.il/change_the_se...windows_xp.htm