Windows XP Pro Pirate >> Windows XP Home Official How?

[Gordy]

Hi

First off this is not asking for help finding or creating dodgy installs, I've had a client come to me that wants to convert a machine that has a dodgy copy of windows xp pro on to a legitimate copy of windows xp home they bought without reinstalling.

Is this possible to do. Can I just change the cd key and it will detect it as a proper version and start activation.

Never done it before but I expect it to become an issue more and more with WGA kicking in?

Thanks

[pak000]

I doubt its possible due to there being significant differences between the two. If it was pirate pro -> legit pro, then it would be easier, microsoft providing a script to change your key, but that wouldn't work in this case.

[Gordy]

I saw that script but I think the pro downgrade to home is going to be the killer in this issue pro to pro seems to be just the key and reactivate but I can't find any way (using google) to downgrade and change the cd key.

[[GSV]Trig]

I wouldnt of thought it possible tbh, a reinstalls always good...

[FatalSaviour]

On a related issue, I've got a similar problem (although hopefully easier).
I've got a client who has a pirated copy of XP Pro (it's a corporate edition).
I'd like to "upgrade" this to a fully legit version. Is it possible to buy an OEM copy and just use change the key? I seem to remember a few years ago when I tried this that XP wasn't accepting OEM keys on a Corp installation, Retail Keys on an OEM installation etc? Am I making that up?

[Spud1]

I think that yes, you can do it Gordy.

I have not tested this idea though, having neither XP home or a pirate copy of XP handy, but I *think* it will work

get a file called 'TweakNT' (its not warez, but google it anyway rather than me giving a direct link). It's has a few uses, but the interesting one here is hte ability to convert between XP PRO and XP HOME. So you load the tool, make a registry backup (it's an option) and then select XP home as the OS you want to convert to. run it, it will reboot your PC and you should see the home logo appear.

Then you can simply use an XP CD key script (one of many on the net) to change the key to your legit key, and you should be done.

Might not work, but it could be a worth a shot if you don't want to re-install everything.

[Gordy]

Fatal: I think you are correct in thinking that.

Spud: That sounds like just the job! I will look into that.

[directhex]

you should see the home logo appear.

no you shouldn't - SP2 unified the boot screens to use the same logo

[Spud1]

no you shouldn't - SP2 unified the boot screens to use the same logo

pfft well you *used* to get the XP home Oh and also if that method buggers up the PC please don't blame me, its untested

[madman045]

Gordy, I would have thought it best, all be it a pain to install a fresh copy of windows with the legit one they have bought...

Fatal you are right in what your thinking, had to do it recently with a dodgy XP Pro OEM, took some work but it eventually changed...

But on my search to get it done, I found that you cannot change keys on corp / oem / retail as they install different licence files as part of the windows install....

[Spud1]

UltraMagnus - Well no as that would be 100% illegal

[Gordy]

Thanks madman, I think I will clean reinstall it anyway as it needs cleaning up anyway.

[UltraMagnus]

UltraMagnus - Well no as that would be 100% illegal

i see somone nuked my original post by the looks of things....

but wasnt installing the cracked xp pro illigal in the first place?