Unlicensed XP - what to do?

molinari · 1 Jun 2007 at 13:55

A friend of the family bought a new PC last year, I think someone they new built it for them. It has now come to light that the version of XP they have installed is not licensed; they found this out when Windows tried to update. They are in a bit of a tizz about it (what with being of the older generation and not knowing much about PCs) and want me to sort it out for them. Now I'm wondering what the best way is to resolve it. I don't want to have to buy a copy of Vista and install it on their PC so was hoping that MS would sell a licence key and then validate the current version of XP. Does anyone know if they will do that or what the options are??

Olly · 1 Jun 2007 at 14:00

that can be done im sure, but you might have to reinstall, if XP was corporate i think

TomaHawk · 1 Jun 2007 at 14:06

If they've got the message telling them that they maybe a victim of piracy, then if you follow the link/instructions you can then make the copy legal. I think it takes you to the MS site and goes through the steps to make your copy legal and I'm pretty sure you just buy an OEM license online with them.

Haven't known them to make you re-install because of it though.

Although it may work out cheaper buying OEM/retail from an online store than Microsoft direct, but then you'll be looking at a clean install.

gumbald · 1 Jun 2007 at 14:26

Isn't there a Microsoft application to change your key if you buy one?

rickyt · 1 Jun 2007 at 14:54

Same thing has happened to someone I know .She bought a "new" PC from a friend but the updates has told her she's running a pirate copy .She contacted microsoft who sent her an XP disk to put onto her PC . Downside , they charged her £99 for the disk . Cheaper disks to be had if you shop arround . I would just buy XP home and do a full re-install .

Burnsy2023 · 1 Jun 2007 at 22:06

rickyt said:
they charged her £99 for the disk

No it's £99 for a full XP license. Good luck getting that anywhere cheaper.

Burnsy

kirbz · 1 Jun 2007 at 22:11

I may have the wrong end of the stick but can't you just buy this and then re-install xp?

edit: just realised somebody has posted the same as me, doh!

TC1 · 1 Jun 2007 at 22:20

kirbz said:
I may have the wrong end of the stick but can't you just buy this and then re-install xp?

Correct.

teaboy5 · 2 Jun 2007 at 00:22

Make sure it is illegal first. I build the odd computer for people and use all legal software. But had a few machines come up with the key issue even with the sticker on the side to prove it.