need help with Win Xp Pro license

[michael0224]

Hello everyone. One of my office's PC is using a private copy of Win Xp Pro license, and now I would like to make it genuine. I will buy a license somewhere maybe from futureshop. After that, is there a way to just change the CD Key in the old system so that I don't have to format the whole thing? Please advice.

Thanks.

[glc]

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml

[michael0224]

Thank you for your reply. But does this program allow me to change the original "private" version cd key to the geniune license cd key?

Is there a legal way to do this?

[DragonNOA1]

Yes. One of the options in the menus allows you to change your key.

[michael0224]

So after I put my new key in, do I have to activate? Is it legal and will able to validate on microsoft.com? I need to make sure the PC works still fine as before after I changed the key.

Thanks.

[DragonNOA1]

It looks like you may have to activate but if you have a legit key then who cares? The only way to find out is to try. Let us know what happens.

Yes the process is legal (read the JB FAQS as he uses a M$ method) and if the key is legal it will validate at M$

[RayH]

Microsoft is glad to have your office become honest customers. They aren't worried about used to be pirates, who have become honest. They are concerned about the pirates who still are.

[glc]

If the key you change it to is a valid legal key not already activated on another computer, it will activate. There is no difference between legal and illegal Windows CD's, it's all in the key.

[michael0224]

Thanks all, I purchased a Retail Win XP. I assume it will work perfectly with the magicjellybean program. But I just saw some other post, they said Retail key won't work with a OEM windows, so does it apply to me here? I am not sure the one I had on my PC is a OEM or what.

[michael0224]

I found the post: Win XP Product Key Help BY:
BABYFREE

Replied by: EzyStvy

Yes you can use a different cd PROVIDED it is the same Retail Version or OEM verion.

Meaning, if the cd is a Retai copy and the sticker is for an OEM copy, it won't work.

[jayb1234]

A retail OEM key will be fine. A manufacturers OEM from someone like Dell that came installed on a machine is the one that won't work. The difference tends to be a bit confusing, but the key on the new copy you bought will work whether it is the OEM retail or the full retail version.

[michael0224]

Thanks everyone.

Hmmm..... suppose I want to change the KEY of my legit XP to a non-legit XP key, it shouldn't affect anything if I will use the legit XP key on another new machine and activate it?

[glc]

Let's not go there, please - we are very strict about piracy in these forums.

[michael0224]

ok, sorry about that. I got another concern... If I used to magicjellybean and put the "good" key to my "private" Win XP and it fails process to legit, I am still able to reinstall the Windows with the "good" key and activate from there right? I am just afraid that I will ruin the $400CDN worth of such a "good" key.

[Statica]

Yes if you have any problems you can still use the CD Key on the new installation.

[michael0224]

follow up:
key changing is unsucessful.

it says "An error has occurred. This was probably caused b the keing of an invalid number. Please check it and try again."

I double checked / retyped the key again but still the same.

Looks like I need to make a fresh install.

[glc]

That means that your "illegal" XP is not retail - it's OEM or corporate. Try doing a repair reinstallation so you don't lose all your software and data. Steps are in Tips and Tricks.

[michael0224]

Thanks, I will look at it.

[michael0224]

It looks very complicated at the "tips" page, but it is very simple when you are actually doing it.

Thanks everyone.