Replace XP with ... Xp

badbunny42

Good afternoon.

A couple of years ago I put together a PC with XP64 (XP for a 64 bit processor).
This didn't work with a lot of software and even my printer so I (to my shame) installed a pirate copy of XP (normal version) just to get things to work.
I have now bought a genuine copy, and I was wondering if there was a way install over the top of my existing copy without loosing my settings, installed programs and saved files.
I have tried just changing the product key to the new one but it was rejected.

Any help gratefully recieved.

BB42

tom9980

You dont have to do much really follow steps 1-13

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874

Just use the new key you bought and everything should be legal again.

mdbarber

as xp64 was the pro version the oem licence included the downgrade option so you could have just phone ms

badbunny42

That I never knew.
I'll try tom9980s way when my daughters have finished playing on the computer.

Thanks both.

BB42

badbunny42

It didn't work alas. I may just back up my files and start again.
I wish I'd known about the downgrade option 2 years ago.
Thanks for the help.

BB42

mdbarber

badbunny42 wrote: »

It didn't work alas. I may just back up my files and start again.
I wish I'd known about the downgrade option 2 years ago.
Thanks for the help.

BB42

I have to admit i don't know for sure but in going thru the licensing options i don't remember seeing a time limit on downgrading.
Install xp and when it comes to activation call ms, explain u wish to down grade your xp64 and give them the key.
Make sure you post back some detail if you manage to swing it, i'm sure there are a few people out there interested in that

BritBrat

Try using this program to change the key.

keyfinder.v1.51.zip

SOURCE: http://magicaljellybean.com

Make sure you reboot after and check key has not changed back to old one.

badbunny42

Sorry it's taken until now to give an update. It has only been this last week that I've had a chance to get on with PC stuff.
The legitimate version of XP I used came with a secondhand Compaq PC I purchased when my employer replaced it. It had had a corporate version of windows installed replacing the initialy installed one, hence a legitimate un-used licence with the product key on a sticker on the box.
I couldn't replace my existing product key with this one, possibly because it was an SP1 install and an SP2 key.
That was where I was until last week.
I have now stuck a second hard drive into my PC and installed the legitimnate copy onto it using the legitimate product key and a setup disk extracted from the Compaq PC using Winlite. It activated with no problems and I am gradualy moving my applications and games accross to it in order to migrate my family with minimum fuss.
All is now fine and dandy in Bunnyland, and I have the only PC I know of with 4 operating systems installed. (Windows XP -real, Windows XP - pirate, Windows xp64 - hated, and Ubuntu 8.4 - tricky).

Thanks for all advice and help.