----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2006 10:58 PM
Subject: Changing Activation Code
A friend bought a used computer with an apparent bad copy of XP on it.
She purchased a full version of XP and we have tried to change the
activation code by following a Microsoft KB article explaining the
procedure
My advice is too late because the purchase of new Windows has already been
made. Perhaps it will help somebody else in the future who runs into this
problem.
I ran into a dead end trying to update an illegal copy of Windows XP that
had been installed on a computer. I ran into a friendly screen which
Microsoft uses to make matters legal and right, for the usual fee, of
course. I gave Microsoft my credit card number etc. and they gave me a legal
Product Key and allowed me to download the correct software for the
transition from illegal to legal. This was a quick and temporary fix.
Microsoft snail mailed me a Windows CD along with that same Product Key for
future use in reinstalling etc.
After paying my fees online, I downloaded the transition software. Note that
it was matched to the version of Windows I was attempting to update. This
happened during the attempts to update. When I ran the software, first it
checked to make sure my installation of Windows had all of the files
necessary to run correctly and to handle this transition. My Windows passed
this test. Then, when prompted, I entered the new Product Key. I do not
remember Windows authenticating. It may have done this invisible to me.
If you do not want to format and reinstall, paying your fees directly to
Microsoft online is the easy way out, a sure fix. At least you do not have
to worry about the matching of versions of Windows. Keep the CD that
Microsoft sends to you with the computer for the life of the computer. I
doubt you will find any other Windows XP CD that will install along with
your new Product Key. I feel that a format and reinstall job is in order
every time a computer changes owners. The advice given in this post is for
those who disagree.
Beware of giving your credit card number online. I took a chance. Hackers
could spoof the friendly screen Microsoft uses to assist in the transition
from illegal to legal and harvest credit card numbers.
If, acting on information passed on or given in the course of
reading this e-mail, or otherwise contained in any other form
of communication from me, something catastrophic happens to
either you, any one else, or to your / anyone else's property,
I deny any and all liability for anything that occurs.
Chuck
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