Member Avatar for monaxisomcio

my computer says that the windows xp SP3 i use is not genuine..option is i should either reinstall a new XP or reinstall without removing the files alredy existing..but this takes me to pay 7,000+ pesos worth of money, which i cant do..how can i retrieve a new cd-key without reinstalling XP for free??[naxi][/tax]

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Short summary and next steps — this expands on what , and already suggested. If the XP install on the machine is actually non-genuine, recovering any key from that installation will not make Windows genuine. If a valid retail/OEM license was purchased (COA sticker, boxed media, or a receipt), it is often possible to recover that original key from the running system or from the drive without reinstalling.

Check proof of license first: look for the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the PC (or the original box/receipt). OEM COAs are the official evidence of a licensed copy and are handled differently from retail keys — they should not be bought separately. (microsoft.com)

If a valid key exists on the machine you can recover it without reinstalling by using a reputable key-recovery tool. ProduKey (NirSoft), Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder and Belarc Advisor are commonly used: download only from the official vendor sites, run the tool as administrator, and save the shown 25-character product key. Many of these tools can also read an offline registry hive if the system will not boot. Always scan downloads and be aware some AV products flag key-recovery tools as PUPs or false positives. (nirsoft.net)

If activation still fails after you recover a purchased key, the problem may be licensing channel (OEM vs retail) or a blocked/blacklisted key; Microsoft’s product-activation guidance explains the supported activation paths (internet/phone) but assisted support for legacy products can be limited now. If the copy is truly non-genuine, the only legal remedy is a valid license. Also note Windows XP reached end of support in April 2014 — continuing to use XP exposes the machine to significant security risk, so plan an upgrade to a supported OS. (support.microsoft.com)

Practical checklist: verify COA/receipt, recover and save any key (official tool only), confirm whether the key is OEM or retail, try online/phone activation if appropriate, and if needed buy a genuine license or migrate to a supported OS.

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Member Avatar for happygeek

You cannot. You have to buy a genuine copy of Windows.

DaniWeb will not help you find an illegal copy of Windows or a source of illegal keys, read the Keep it Legal rule.

Member Avatar for Bob_180_Bob

Hi,
Your copy of windows is a pirate copy and retrieving your CD-Key will not change that. You can buy a legal copy of XP in many places in the Philippines for about 2000 pesos. So put up with the part of the screen that tell you you have an illegal copy or buy a new legal one.

Member Avatar for sennetor

Call microsoft and ask them for help.
Sometimes it can be generated in error- Either way Microsoft are the only people who can help you. Unless you switch to Linux. :)

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