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    genuine windows validation

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by bigneil, Jun 10, 2009.

  1. bigneil

    bigneil Notebook Enthusiast

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    my laptop has an illegal copy of XP!! there is a proper product key on the underside. can i re-install XP with an oem disk and use the key on the underside.

    i have already used a keyfinder program to check and the one in the machine is different to the one on the machine.

    what is the next step?

    Dell latitude D400 XP pro

    neil
     
  2. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    I believe theres a way to change the key without doing a clean install.

    If not then you just need to do a clean install with an OEM disc, enter in the serial key attached to your notebook and activate it. Pretty easy.
     
  3. MaXimus

    MaXimus Notebook Deity

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    You can change the key without reinstalling and put in a genuine one. Furthermore, you can call microsoft and inform them of the same, they will help you revalidate the key or issue u with a new key since it's legitamate
     
  4. bigneil

    bigneil Notebook Enthusiast

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    oh good, sounds not too bad . i am thinking about a fresh intall... i don't know what garbage the previuos owner had or still has on here.

    thanks for your replies
     
  5. MaXimus

    MaXimus Notebook Deity

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    previous owner???????? offcourse u should go for a fresh install man.......u never know how he might messed up teh windows registry
     
  6. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    MaXimus is absolutely correct - if you bought this thing from someone else, a clean reinstall is most definitely in order; not only could there be issues like messed up registry entries and the like, there could be any number of little nasties salted away (unless the seller was completely trustworthy).