Is there a way to legally validate my copy of XP?

[javeryh]

Here's my situation.  My laptop was dropped and broke - I had to send it in to Dell to replace the harddrive and monitor.  They shipped back the computer with a completely blank HDD so I had to reinstall everything.  I couldn't find my original XP discs that came with the computer so one of my friends said I could use his.  He took the computer home and came back the next weekend with it up and running.... the only problem is that he put an "unverified copy" on there (idiot).  I have the service tag and everything on the bottom of my computer which should be linked to a copy of XP that I bought, right?  Is there a way to switch it over or will I have to reinstall XP (thereby losing everything on my hard drive again)?

Any help would be great - thanks.

[Silver]

Yes you need to change the XP key on your installed copy with the one that came with your PC.

Your key will either be on a sticker on your laptop, or on the support CD's that came with it when you bought it.

Once you have it, google for "change XP key" or similar. e.g.:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/productkeysactivation/ht/changexpkey.htm

and follow the instructions.

[_Iz-]

It's entirely possible the version of XP he installed isn't compatible with your key. Your best bet (if the installed copy won't accept your key) is to call Dell and get replacement restore media.

[Ummon]

It's entirely possible the version of XP he installed isn't compatible with your key. Your best bet (if the installed copy won't accept your key) is to call Dell and get replacement restore media.

Yes. They goofed. However, if you get in a snag, pm me.

[javeryh]

It's entirely possible the version of XP he installed isn't compatible with your key. Your best bet (if the installed copy won't accept your key) is to call Dell and get replacement restore media.

This is what I'm afraid of... he installed XP Professional and I used to have XP Home.  Is there a way to install XP Home on top of what's there so I don't lose everything?

[SGT]

Its not just a matter of XP Home vs XP Pro.  What _Iz- is referring to is that not just any XP Home CD will take your XP Home keycode.

[fatfingers]

And thus another Microsoft hater is born...

[Havok]

You've just got the play the system, that's all...

 

[HairyDVD]

I think that you would not be able to install "Home" over "Professional" from install disks as it would detect the operating system is higher.

 Using recovery disks it should do ok - but they normally wipe the hard drive prior to installation.  Dell will charge you for the replacement disks tho  .

You could change the key, but only for a valid "professional" key (then you have to worry about if it was on OEM version etc.)  You could get a valid key from Microsoft - but they will also charge.