Not able to download SP2 on XP PRO

[stiffler71]

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.

[photolady]

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.

[stiffler71]

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?

[ProfessorU]

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.

[104456]

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.

[SuperSparks]

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

[stiffler71]

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

[photolady]

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.

[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.

[Train]

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.

Buf used it successfully.

[Tuttle]

Yeah, it works with retail and OEM versions too.

[stiffler71]

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.....

[photolady]

Yeah that was it, Nick. Thanks.

[kevwalk]

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

[photolady]

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