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It appears that I have a bootleg copy of win xp pro (unbeknown to me) This is my question: If I wait until the new vista OS is available will I be able to install it over my bootleg OS without losing any installed programs. If not how do I install a legal XP OS over my current system and still be able to save my installed programs. In other words will I be able to install without doing a clean install... :confused: :confused:
I have a bootleg copy that I use to test new machines...Short version of the story is that I accidently upgraded it to Vista....
Product Activation in Vista is far more rigorous that in XP. I honestly don't know whether it will allow an upgrade from an illegal copy of Windows or not - It's quite possible that you won't be able to.
But the good news is that you can get yourself legal without any problems, and you don't even need to re-install (though you can do an over-the-top install if you wish). Here's how to change the key to your valid one:
How to change the Volume Licensing product key...
I don't understand the following warning in the article:Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperSparks
Warning The steps in the article are effective only on Volume License media. If you try these steps on OEM media or on retail media, you will not change the product key. :confused:
I'm given to understand that it does work, whatever they say. In any case the vast majority of pirated Windows are Volume Licence copies. If it doesn't work, just do an over-the-top reinstall instead.
When it comes time to upgrade to Vista, I think the only way to go is a clean install, so keep what you have and then buy a legit copy of Vista.