Crazy question

windows xp-opps screwed up

from WinCustomize Forums
I while back my computer went down bad, I had one of my sons friends come over and he (fixed) it he said, well to my surprise he put his windows xp in my computer and now I have illegal version, I have my original disk but don't want to lose everything I have in here and start over, I have contacted microsoft only to have them not give a crap, I have everything I need and even told them that but they won't respond to my emails. Can anyone tell me what is the easiest ways to fix this? I need help bad, and can't afford to take it to anyone, fixed income and all.  Thats how I got here in the first place. Mrs. Schleisner mschleisner@hotmail.com Thanks
6,327 views 16 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'd go to MS Genuine advantage web site.
Test your system.  Based on what you are telling me it should fail and should give you the opperunity re-register with the old key.

Q:
 What do I do if my system fails validation, but I am certain that I purchased/have a genuine copy of Windows?
A:

When a copy of Windows fails validation, the user is directed to a customized Web page with details about what caused the failure and recommendations for how to fix the problem. This page contains a section with troubleshooting steps. One of these steps will let you check to see whether you can use the online Product Key Update Tool. If your computer came with a genuine product key, but Windows was improperly installed using an invalid product key, the Product Key Update Tool helps convert your computer to a genuine status without having to purchase a new copy of Windows. If this solution does not work, refer to the instructions above for what to do when your system fails validation.


Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The following link will allow you to change the license key but as mentioned in the article:

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well that didn't work, so now what?
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
don't know about the registry modify thing, sounds like trouble to me, any other ideas?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Well that didn't work, so now what?
What didn't work about it?
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
says I can't use my reg code, he must have changed the whole thing, I am really pissed. I can only think maybe I have to take out the whole xp, down to 98 and start over, don't know how to though. I wish my uncle was still alive, he could do it all, he used to do all my stuff, thats how I got into this spot in the first place.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you originally had XP on your computer and you still have your disk you can activate it over the phone. When you call they will ask you for your code number. Then they will give you a new one.

I do it all the time. Because I keep changing hardware in my system and have to reactivate after every 4 hardware changes. Go to start accessories activate choose activate by phone and it will give you a phone number to call..
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thank You, I sure hope this works.    
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for the info.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
There's a program out there somewhere that lets you change your registration key. I could look for it if you want...
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If that link mentioned in the first reply didn't work maybe your son's friend installed XP Professional when you originally had XP Home?
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
no it's xp on top of my 98, I just couldn't use my validation code because he used his disk to install it. I haven't called microsoft and asked for a new codle yet, maybe tomorrow if I have time and see what they say about the post the other person suggested. Who knows? His idea might work. We will see. Thanks....  
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
MS activated by phone for me.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I want to personally thank you for letting me know I could call microsoft about the issue with my illegal xp. The person who I talked to had a hard time getting me a new key, it was funny because after I gave him all my info, and we tried several times to do a new key it wouldn't work, then we discovered he had installed professional, well that was a much more expensive program I was told like over two hundred dollars or something, anyway they gave me a key for professional and now my windows xp is genuine again. and the professional at that. Thanks again for helping me. Maxine
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
and yes you were right dragonmage it was professional after all. thanks to those who helped. but a special shout out to Murex.