Member Avatar for daram_shetty

Hi everyone,
When my system connected to net, it asked to register my windows xp . i have registered and it has been verified my microsoft and declared that it is not genuine, and asking me go buy genuine. And iam not allowed to update my system. Later i bot a new genuine Key. I dont want to reinstall my windows because i have some other important softwares installed in my system which not having backup.
If i reinstall i will loose my software. I have a genuine copy of windows now.

In this situation what can i do for making my copy of existing windows to genuine windows.
Can any one help me.

Thanking all in advance.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by bipin_baglung

Dani AI

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OP bought a legitimate key but wants to avoid a full reinstall. Several replies here cover the usual options: pushed for a reinstall, noted a clean install doesn't always remove user files, suggested third‑party "key changer" tools, and pointed toward revalidation. The safest, least disruptive approaches are to use Microsoft‑supported activation paths or perform a Windows XP "repair install" (in‑place repair) rather than running random key‑changer utilities.

Before doing anything, create a full disk image or at least copy the user profiles, program data and registry hives to external media. Confirm the exact XP edition and service pack (Control Panel -> System) so any CD you use matches the edition and language.

Repair install (preserves installed programs): boot from a matching Windows XP CD, let Setup start, then when Setup finds the existing installation it will offer to repair it — press R to start the repair. This replaces system files but keeps applications and user data. After a repair you will likely need to reinstall service packs and some drivers, and re‑activate Windows.

If online activation fails, use the built‑in Activation Wizard and choose phone activation by running:
%windir%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
Follow the prompts, have your new product key and any COA sticker information ready, and use the telephone option so Microsoft can give a confirmation ID. Avoid unknown "key changer" tools — they often break activation or contain malware.

If repair + phone activation still fails, the remaining reliable route is a clean install (after imaging). For persistent activation problems, contact Microsoft Support and verify the type of key bought (Retail vs OEM vs Volume) because license type must match the installed edition.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for John A

Tough luck, that's what you get for installing an illegitimate copy of Windows XP. You'll just have to backup your data and try reinstalling with a legal copy this time.

Member Avatar for MidiMagic

Installing Windows should not affect your other files, unless they reside in an area Windows needs for its contiguous files.

Also, he might not be the one who installed a pirate copy of Windows. An unscrupulous dealer may have done it.

Member Avatar for abhisdm

Now that u hav a genuine key with u try to make use of "Key changer software" and enter the genuine key.... See if your system gets updated then.....

Member Avatar for bipin_baglung

You can just register or validate your xp with new genuine serial key given. open microsoft website ......... and you do not have to reinstall it.

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