Asked By
felicity254
0 points
N/A
Posted on - 12/08/2011
I am running Windows XP Pro. The copy of my operating system does not have a valid product key so there are programs that I cannot validate due to using an illegal copy of Windows XP. My brother lends me a brand new legal copy of it. What I want to know now is if it’s possible to install this legal copy of Windows XP Pro with my current copy without having to lose all my important files and settings. Please help.
Windows XP installation of Legal Copy
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The official/legal version of software in particular the operating system, e.g. Windows shall be used so that programs/software/system could run efficiently and smoothly.
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The official/legal copy of Windows XP could be installed on top of old Windows. Â Please be advised that you shall back up all data before the installation.Â
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Then you shall register the official/legal copy with MS so that future updates and patches could be downloaded and installed from MS official site. Â
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Also, make sure to visit Windows Update and get the updates and Hotfixes and download SP2 now.
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Windows XP installation of Legal Copy
You will have to partition your hard drive if you have not done that yet, and then transfer all the files that you do not want to loose to the drive that does not have the operating system. If the space is not enough on that drive you may need to get an external hard drive and store any extra files there.
When formatting the computer, now that you have partitioned it, you will not need to format every partition but only the drive that holds the operating system.
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Get the disc that has the windows XP setup and insert in the DVD drive of your computer.
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Restart the computer and then choose to boot from the DVD.
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The installation process will start, just follow the instructions.
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The important step that I need you to know is when the computer asks you to choose the drive to store the operating system. Choose the primary hard drive that has the old windows XP and do a complete format of it.
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Leave the other partitions as they are, if you format you will loose all the files you have on them.
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Regards
Thompson Locker
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Windows XP installation of Legal Copy
What many pirated operating systems lack is a legitimate product key. The operating system is then manipulated and has been modified so as to bypass the validation process and make the operating system work. Some use actual product keys on the machines which make it seem that is it valid. So, if there's a way for you to enter the product key of the legal copy on to the copy that you currently have, then that should be fine and it should be able to validate itself. Otherwise, it is actually just best to backup your files and install the legitimate copy over what you currently have to ensure that there are no traces of piracy in your system.
