Not able to download SP2 on XP PRO

Another issue I have is that I recently bought a mp3 player and I went to install the software on my computer which has I thought a legit copy of Windows XP PRO that my roommate installed for me but after troubleshooting my system, come to find out that my copy is a bootleg copy and I can not download the SP2 which makes my mp3 compatible with my system. The question I have is how would I go about installing a true version of XP PRO over the current copy I have installed on my computer now so I would have the SP2? Any info is greatly appreciated.

Buy a legit CD of XP, then using that disk, pop it into your cd rom drive, reboot your computer and go to setup/BiOS and set boot order to boot from the cdrom first. Save and Exit setup, wait for the prompt "press any key to boot from the cd". Windows will then format your harddrive and install the legit copy of xp. Of course if you have anything on the drive you'd like to keep, burn these to cd first.

When I install the legit disk in my cd rom on my computer will I need to worry about any files being erased or will it just update the xp pro to the registered copy?

I don't think you can do an overinstall of XP to change the registration. You will need to back up all your data and perform a fresh install.

Without a 100% guarantee Im pretty sure you can overinstall without lose of files as long as you dont format of course.Then just register the install as normal either by the internet or over the phone to Microsoft.Either way back up important data first as with any major software change.
The newer versions will include SP2 but you will need to reinstall any patches not included on the Windows CD.

I agree, there isn't any problem with doing an over-the-top install to put a legit copy of Windows on. Boot up with the XP CD in the drive and let Setup run. Go past the "C" and "R" repair options by presssing Enter just as if you're doing a clean install and you'll eventually get an option to "Repair an existing installation". That's the one you want. If it asks about formatting you've gone wrong, so start over.

You'll get to keep your existing apps & settings, but you need to re-install SP2, Windows Updates & any unsigned drivers afterwards. NOTE: Be aware that you'll lose any protection from Blaster / Sasser type worms. Don't go online without a firewall, whether the built in Windows one or 3rd party.

How to perform a re-install of WinXP

Repair XP

Thanks for everyones input on this matter. It helped a bunch.

I wasn't sure if an overthetop install would work. Didn't M$ have something in their knowledgebase about how to convert a illegal copy to a legit copy? I think I remember something a year or so ago about this, but can't off the top of my head remember now.

There's this article PL, was this what you were thinking of?

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=328874

It's for volume licence keys though, I'm not sure if it works with normal retail keys.

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Originally Posted by SuperSparks

There's this article PL, was this what you were thinking of?

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=328874

It's for volume licence keys though, I'm not sure if it works with normal retail keys.

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Buf used it successfully.

Yeah, it works with retail and OEM versions too.

It sounds kinda complex to me. I think I'll take it into someone to do this project. I'll probably do it and lose all my files......Thanks for everyones help on this matter.....

Yeah that was it, Nick. Thanks.

Go to the mircosoft windows web site ..you will find a link where you can request to have a SP2 CD mailed to you no charge
This service is made avialable for those who have a slow connectoion
due to the large file size of XP service 2
I know this as fact cos I received one :)

But you can't install SP2 on a illegal XP system. That was what the member meant when he said "download".

sorry photolady I misunderstood the post
I wasn't aware it would not install on illegal copies as my XP sp1 CD was supplied from a retail computer outlet with a COA certicate on the side of the PC Case
Thanks for the info ...only trying to help :o :o

the SP2 CD will install successfully on an illegal copy of XP and if you enable automatic updates it will continue to instal all critical updates.
It will not update if you go to the Microsoft Update site as the 'Genuine' test will fail.

Dennis

I thought those I use at work had a test on them also. Maybe it's just testing the hardware then? If that's true, then my mistake. Sorry.

Well we could tell him just to get the CD but that would be against the policy here at vDR, wouldn't it :)

Actually, I think both answers are correct, depending on which pirated copy is installed. SP2 contains a list of the most common pirated keys, and won't install on those, regardless of whether it's downloaded or on CD. But it's not a very long list of keys, so there are undoubtedly many other pirated copies out there that SP2 will install on.

But it's good to see that the OP is doing the right thing and getting a legit copy anyway :)

Yeah I don' think that free cd will help me out because the copy I had installed on my computer by an old roommate installed a bootleg copy of Windows XP PRO and when I try to install new programs that need the SP1 or SP2 in order to work I get an error message when I try downloading the SP2 from Microsoft saying that I have an invalid key on my system and it won't go any further....

I really appreciate everyones help on my matter with this obstacle. So you think if I get this cd you are talking about it will install the SP2 over my bootlegged copy of XP PRO? Thanks

Even if it did, you'll have other things that you can't install later on. And we won't be able to help you with any problems if we find out you have an illegal copy of Windows, it's against our AUP. Believe me it's far better to do what you planned originally and go legit.

If someone's using an illegal version of XP, is thare any way that M$ can find out?

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If someone's using an illegal version of XP, is thare any way that M$ can find out?

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If the person wanted to get anymore updates and patches from MS, then they would have to run Validation, if they failed they'd have to say goodbye to updates.

Liam

Ok fwiw, I have a legitimate copy of XP home and got a nasty virus. After I cleaned it up I had to reactivate windows. When I tried it said it wasn't a valid key. I just called them and they gave me a new key. Your room mate might have used his key to install his copy, I think you can do it like 5 times. I dont see how he could have activated it without a valid key. Well, anyway I could be wrong but thought I would put in my 2 cents worth lol.

You can get VLK (Volume Licensing Kit) copies that don't require activation. This is how L33+ CR4CkERS 9e+ tH31r w@r3z.