Legalizing Windows XP

[GungaDin123]

Hi,

My brother bought a computer that had Windows XP Professional pre-loaded but he was given no CD or Activation Key.

I've recommended that he pay the money and get a Windows XP install that he knows is legal so that he can turn on auto-updates to ensure his computer is protected. I'm also going to put some internet security on his PC as he's already been hit with a virus.

I just had a few questions that I was hoping somebody here could help me answer:

1) If he buys a Windows XP CD, can he just use the Product Key that comes with the CD to legalize his already installed version of XP?
2) Can he simply buy an OEM version of XP? If so, will he need to completely re-install XP or will the OEM Product key work fine with his current install.
3) (I realize this may be a bit off-topic) I was going to buy Norton Internet Security to help protect his PC. Does anybody have any thoughts or suggestions about this?

I am loathe to blow away his PC and re-install everything as he has other software and hardware that he has had professionally set up.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[MulderMan]

was the computer bought from a reputable store or large company? if so they dont usually inlcude the disk anyway. if it is an illegal copy he already has on the computer and it isnt cracked to avoid activation, he can enter a legal liscence key. you can buy an oem disk, aslong as the disk used to initially install the computer was oem its ok. although i do suggest ringing the company if on the spec sheet it states xp pro.

[glc]

I would go to whoever he bought it from and demand the proper documentation to make what's on there legal and activatable (COA and a key at minimum), along with a restore CD, if nothing else.

1. Probably not. Depends on what type of CD was used for the preinstall. You would have to buy the exact type (OEM, retail, upgrade, etc.) and if it was Corporate, all bets are off and whoever he bought it from should be in legal trouble.
2a. Yes.
2b. He will probably have to reinstall, see (1).
2c. Probably not, see (1).
3. I recommend the Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security Suite over Norton by a long shot. It is a LOT easier on system resources.

[helloimtim]

I rember reading something about this very issue. If I am right and you explain your problem microsoft will give you a valid key. They realize this will become a big problem for alot of people and it seems from what I saw this is how they are gonna deal with it. I would look into it you have nothing to loose. I am not sure of all the details and such. I believe if you go to microsoft site and download there program to see if your xp is legal and they find it is not you will be given options and such. I am almost positive I am correct but with any information I suggest look into it before making your final choice. Hope that helped. I will go in search of the information and if I find it I will post a link and the moderator can keep it handy for further problems of this nature.....peace.......im out.

[Janiebabes]

If you go to my computer on the desktop and right click and then click properties on the general tab you should see his key or serial number listed there

[fcoral]

He can also download keyfinder v 1.41from migicaljellybean.com . I think it's a zip file but after extracting it run it and it displays your product key. I think it's one of the more accurate keyfinder out there. I know in sisandra benchmarking utility it also gives you your key. I did them both and they both matched what i have. The only drawback is that you have nothing to compare the key from the program to, so hopefully it returns the correct key. I hoped this helps you.