Download this, unzip and read it. It's a .doc file (MS Word). It'll explain finding the bad key and replacing it with a new 'valid' key. NOTE: This is not a heck to bypass or activate an illegitimate XP copy. You still need to get a valid key. All this tells you is how to find the bad key, and how to put the new key in. Unzip password is: pctechtalk DOWNLOAD: http://www.sirtroth.com/xp_product_key.zip ---Troth -----Original Message----- From: pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:pctechtalk-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Joyce Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 12:51 PM To: pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: Windows XP Troth, I have a similar situation. Where do I go on line to get the app to change the key? And what is the name of the app? Then, where do I find the key that is not valid and how do I change it to the valid one.? So many questions/??? Joyce ----- Original Message ----- From: "~OoO~" <sirtroth@xxxxxxxxx> To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 7:54 AM Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Re: Windows XP > Never tried to installed XP over an existing XP. But, basically, all you > need is the key... a valid key. You already have a key for your installed > version, but its most likely a key that the pirates have been using to > bypass Windows activation. If you check the version of XP you have, you'll > notice you probably have XP Professional Corp version, which doesn't > require > activation but does require a valid key. They key you have is valid for > the > install, but comes up as invalid when you try to install SP2. > > If you buy a legitimate version on eBay, make sure you have the exact > correct version of what's already on your system. If you have XP Pro Corp, > then buying XP Pro non-corp will give you a key that won't work on your > version. > > If you get a key for the correct version you have installed, you then need > an app (easily obtainable online) that will allow you to change the key. > Be > careful with eBay, however. Well, not really eBay, but rather the person > selling XP. If someone is selling an original XP CD, but they've used the > key before, your copy of Windows will not be able to activate. So, you > need > to buy one that no one else has used... unless, of course, you're buying a > 'cracked' copy... which I'm sure there's plenty abound on eBay. > > So... once you get the copy of XP with a valid key, you then run that app > I > mentioned to change the installed key, and enter the new key, and it > should > work. The other end of the stick is to buy a new copy of Windows on eBay > and > just reinstall from scratch. Make sure your docs and files are backed up > and > just reinstall. > > ---Troth > > > -- <Please delete this line and everything below.> To unsub or change your email settings: //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk To access our Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ -- <Please delete this line and everything below.> To unsub or change your email settings: //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk To access our Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/