Windows Genuine Advantage

HUFCsteve

We've recently bought a 2nd hand PC. All was working okay until our broadband went live and I started updating some of the software on it. Anyhow, whilst XP has been "activated" it has failed "validation". Using magicaljellybean it seems that "another version" of XP Professional has been installed which has a different product key to the key sticker on the case and so it's prompting me to purchase a genuine product key online and convert our system to genuine Windows.

I do still have the 4 beginning CDs that came with the PC originally but presumably that'd mean starting all over from scratch?!? This means that I can't use Windows Update at the moment. What do you reckon? Is it worth the hassle restoring the PC to original factory setting and reinstalling everything all over again?

Donnie

Another 'version' of XP Professional? Which version would that be?

superscaper

If you're already using Magic Jellybean why don't you just use it to change the product key for your genuine one (under options)?

HUFCsteve

Thanks for replies.

The COA on the back of the PC is for XP home. However, the Windows error page says that XP Professional is installed (and the codes are different).

Didn't realise that I was able to change codes on Magic Jellybean. Will have a look this evening.

Like I say the PC works so don't want to go to too much hassle but it would be nice if I could do updates, etc.

Thanks again

Donnie

I don't think an XP Home code will work for XP Pro.

Check your private messages

aliEnRIK

Donnie wrote: »

I don't think an XP Home code will work for XP Pro.

Check your private messages

No it doesnt

and

nice one :cool:

Marty_J

Back up your stuff, and reinstall the Windows that came with your computer.

Doing anything else is software piracy.