Can i buy a XP Pro key?

[Just4Alaff]

Hi, curious of this i have a copy of xp pro corp i got from a friend without a key, would it be possible to call up microsoft and buy a key for it thru them without having to get a whole new cd and or package all i need is a key for it? And is there a difference between pro corp and retail pro, is it the same thing? If i cant get one thru microsoft is there another good place cheap where i can get one?

[regans cortina]

im pretty sure you can . give microsoft a call and be honest with what you are doing , they will either sell you a new keycode and register you as the owner , or tell you to not use the one you have because its illegal.

no harm in givin them a call. or check out microsofts website and look for info on illegal copies

[WhatsThisBoxFor?]

You can buy a license from them, but it is expensive: http://shop.microsoft.com/special/wa...fo.asp#pricing

I believe it is cheaper just to buy a OEM version off Newegg than order an additional key.

[Confused]

When you say "copy", do you mean a copied CD of XP Corp. and you just need a key? If that is the case and you secretly envy your friend call MS and explain what you have. They will want to know the name of the corp. as they will surely send their lawyers for a chat.

It is legal for me to make a copy of my XP CD for backup purposes. It is illegal for me to make a copy of it and give it to someone else with or without a key. Same holds true for corporations. And I'm sure that after they talk with the lawyers from MS they will have a talk with your friend.
Chas

[sdkfz]

Assuming this is correct "i have a copy of xp pro corp i got from a friend without a key" - My advice is destroy the CD, what you have is stolen property.

If you both work for the same company then you are likely going to have to turn this person in to protect your job, if the person who stole this are found out and your name comes up you will both be out of a job (at least where I work you'd be).

As to ethically and morally - I'll leave those decisions to you but the forum rules are pretty clear.

A corporate copy of XP is a multi (and I mean more than just 5 or 10) license edition meant for large corprations who will be installing say 1,000 copies of the operating system. Getting just one key is not in the pricing structure for this product.

[Roadie]

i would not use it .. even if it is legal .. which i doubt .. its wrong and im sure if you look .. you can afford a nice cheap 350$(canadian) not sure U.S. price for a copy of xp home .

jail .. or a fine .. or your job are not worth a copy of an operating system.

and to announce it on a forum .. is not to good either .. but i will say this
at least your trying to find out first.
thats very commendable .. but just do it .. break down and buy a copy .. its alot easier when you have to reformat and call microsoft then to use key changers and generators for an illeagal copy
cheers and happy comput'n

[Panama Red]

Here's the cheapest way to get XP Pro SP2 on line. The Academic version requires a student ID and school name at checkout. It's a full version that requires evidence of ownership of a previous version of Windows.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...116-192&depa=6

This is the second best price I know of for the full version without an academic discount. I've been buying all my OS's here lately.

http://store.viosoftware.biz/

[RayH]

What you want to do is not illegal. It's just not possible. You need to purchase 5 licenses at least. These ain't cheap. They are purchased from authorized dealers, not from Microsoft.

The value of the OS is not in the CD. It's in the Product Key. It's like a pink slip (owner's certificate) for a car. Without it, it's useless.

There are plenty of bogus keys floating around the internet. If you can grab it, so can Microsoft. They are not the world's largest corporation because they're run by idiots.

Microsoft is now intituting a process known as "VALIDATION" to receive Windows updates and upgrades of Windows products.

So it's now a three step process to get the OS working right: Product Key for installation, Activation Code to keep it running, and Validation to get upgrades and updates.