XP Validation

Windows validation tool is telling me I have a problem with my installation, and I want to fix this. I have seen the following advice:-

Q: I'm using a dodgy copy of Windows XP, and tried to download updates from the Microsoft website, but am unable to do so. Will buying your Windows XP disk fix my problem?

A: Yes. Install over the top of your existing operating system, deleting it. Though if you are using the dodgy corporate edition of Windows XP Pro with a banned product key, save yourself some money buying the SP1a version instead of the one with SP2. Then instead of installing from the new CD, which will wipeout all your data, go to the Windows Update website where you can change to the new product key.

Having had problems in the past with re-installation of software after re-formatting and re-installation of windows (specifically I finally sacked Norton in favour of Macafee after being unable to find a way of re-installing my new subscription, or even to contact Norton over the problem) I would like to resolve the validation issue without wiping stuff out. Does anyone know if the above advice is correct?
I don't mind paying for the license, and would prefer not to go through all the rigmarole of re-installing everything.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Cheers, Grumpy

Not sure if u r saying u run a dodgy copy or not, but if u buy a legal copy u can simply change the cdkey of ur existing copy for the legit one without reinstalling anything. Follow the instructions below, then reboot and u should be all legal

Change CDKey

Thanks d3fiant - that looks to be just what I was looking for,

Grumpy

btw this method works 100%, when I rebuild pcs for friends I use my unattended install DVD with my key simply as its built in, then use the above method to change the key to theirs afterwards. I do this several times a month, never a prob

Hello again.
It's taken a little while, but I bought a disc and put in the new product key by the Activation Wizard, carefully double checking every step. All seemed to go smoothly, and I re-booted. The validation tool was still telling me my copy of Windows was not genuine, but I figured MS would re-check and give it the all clear, and went to Microsoft updates. MS still said my copy of Windows was not genuine, so I returned home and repeated the Activation Wizard process. This time Activate Windows said "Incorrect product key".
Have I missed something, got something wrong, or been sold a fake?
My next step for the moment is to email the seller to ask for clarification, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Grumpy

tried ringing ms ? the 0800 number for validation will tell you

my oem needed resetting cos I changed my cpu, gave them a ring at midnight and it was no probs

Cheers Frazer, I'll try that

If I can find the number - where did you get it from?

from the windows activation window

Let me guess - you have a dodgy OEM or VLK install and you're trying to use a retail key? Not gonna work.

Yup, sorry to say, but if it's ye olde VLK (or corporate if you will) install, then it's going to require a reinstall.

I've gone from Corporate to regular before by dialling up. Very annoying though, as I reinstall quite often, and M$ have my legitimate key down as not valid now (you only get so many online goes), so I have to ring up and explaing why I'm reinstalling...

Im having this problem as well. Used my neighbours Xp home disk, and tried using the key thats on the side of my pc, but it wont work (invalid key). I keep getting a little pop up in my bottom right hand corner saying i have "so many" days to activate my copy of xp.

You're trying to use a retail install with an OEM serial - not going to work. You need to speak with the manufacturer of your PC to obtain an OEM copy.

Oh gosh - looks like I might have to re-install. Not a bad thing altogether, to clean up and start from fresh, but a pain in the bum re-installing everything else.
Thanks for all the advice everyone - does anyone know how to re-install Macafee and downloaded programmes that have a limited time key with the minimum of fuss?
Cheers

Had to re-install in the end, but everything went smotther than I expected. Thanks for all help and assistance. Just have to add that there were none of the problems with Macafee that I had with Norton - just put in password and that was it.
Cheers, Grumpy