Genuine Windows Issues

lex

Hello,

The problem is, I think at some point in the past, my computer was completely cleared and reloaded. However the person that did that did not have my windows security code, and so used theirs, which now that Microsoft have updated their security software, is picking up this duplicate use of a code, and therefore thinks it is illegal.

My computer is a couple of years old, and came with the software already installed, with the CD in a pack of literature etc. The CD says "Reinstallation CD Microsoft Windows XP Professional including service pack 1A"

I was hoping that there was some way, that the computer would just let me type in my proper legitimate code somewhere. The Microsoft genuine software website that my computer now irritatingly diverts me to a hundred times a day, only gives me the option to purchase new software and not use the code I have.

If I insert the disc, which I've just tried, it doesn't seem to have a repair kind of function, just a completely rebuild from scratch option, as it says my current version is newer (perhaps I have part of service pack 2 downloaded - which I'm not bothered about, as I can download it again).

I believe if one was to purchase the genuine software from Windows, there is one way you can do it, that you download a certain tool, that converts your non genuine version to a genuine version, and you just type in the code from the email. If I can use this that would be ideal, as I wouldn't have to go through the whole rebuild my pc option. Only thing is I can't find it on the Microsoft website. I think it's called the Windows Product Key Update Tool. http://catalog.microsoft.com/genuine/purchase/BuyNowDetails.aspx?displaylang=en&sGuid=5c3527bc-3355-4088-8ef9-1bb6d4049929

Am I making any sense? I just want to enter my proper code somewhere but I can't find where to enter it All these error messages are driving me nuts!

Thanks for any help anyone can offer

lex

Astaroth

The code is simply stored in the registery. I have never seen any microsoft endorsed software to change the key but there are plenty of third party solutions if you google for them.

Omertron

There are plenty of websites out there that will tell you how to change the windows product key: Google Search

However, you may run across problems if your version of windows you own is different to the one that you have installed as the key will not be valid and will require that you reinstall your version of windows.

lex

I've done a bit of a google, and it seems that I have to modify the registration files or something and reactivate windows. If I do this, will it wipe everything on my pc anyway (obviously I would take a back up whatever), or will it just fix my product key?

Confused

lex

Little_John

the messages you see are just there to annoy you the fix I posted replaced the file that makes that happen or somthing like that, if you have a problem pm me with an email address and I will help you

Quincy_3

I think its best that any help is done on the forum so we can all see how any suggestions and/or solutions work so that other MSE people can take a look as there are a few validation threads about at the mo and maybe a MS update that is doing the damage

ioscorpio

Lex
I successfully changed my COA with the Product Key Update Tool