[Westcliff]

A while ago my hard disc crashed and I had to get a new one. I gave my PC to my friend to install the new disc and set everything up, which he did. Unfortunately, when he reloaded XP, he used a disc he had, instead of my one. Now when I try to get updates from Microsoft, I get a message saying my XP is a dodgy copy. and I can't install any updates.

I guess the serial number of my mate's XP disc is now on my PC. Is there any way to change it to the serial number of my XP disc, which is a legitimate one?

Thanks for any advice.

[Rodge]

Yes and no.

Sounds like he has used a "leaked corporate" version of Windows XP to reinstall your PC instead of using the XP key which will be attached to your computer.
He should have used an OEM disc of the particular version of Windows that was originally installed on your computer (XP Home/Pro/Media Centre) and used the key from your own computer.
It's not really the version of Windows that is the problem, more that the product key your friend has used is on Microsoft's banned/stolen/leaked key list. That's why you can't receive updates

It's sometimes easier in the long run to reinstall it all again using the correct version as you can't get rid of it (there are ways to suppress the popups but nothing really permanent)

[Westcliff]

Thanks Rodge. I could re-install XP no problem, I have the disc with its legitimate key (ABCDE-DEFGH-etc etc). Can I install it without losing everything on my PC? Or can I change the key on my PC to the legitimate one?

[Ben Dover]

Westcliff, on 24 June 2010 - 11:25 PM, said:

Thanks Rodge. I could re-install XP no problem, I have the disc with its legitimate key (ABCDE-DEFGH-etc etc). Can I install it without losing everything on my PC? Or can I change the key on my PC to the legitimate one?

A quick google brought me here
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874

You could try that while we wait for Rodge to give us the definitive answer :rolleyes: