Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
To 'legalize' your Windows XP Installation, simply install a legal copy over your old copy.
I bought a laptop with an illegal copy of Windows XP Professional. I want to remove this and get a new copy, as SP2 won't install. Can I reinstall over the current version? Or how do I remove the illegal copy? It doesn't appear in add remove programs.
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Let me start by saying "good on you" for doing the right thing!
And doing the right thing is fairly easy.
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I do want to point out that I don't think that Microsoft is restricting installations of SP2 to only legal installations just yet, though they have indicated that they plan to in the future. So, the illegal nature of your install may not be the issue there.
The short answer is to just install a legal copy of Windows XP on top of your old one. (Be sure to backup your data though, just in case.) The key will be to run Windows Activation once you're done so you register your legal copy with Microsoft. This will ensure that you're able to download and install future patches and updates. In addition, be sure to install SP2 right away.
If you were able to resolve the SP2 installation problem some other way, I'd also be tempted not to install the legal copy at all until I had to. Once you've actually purchased a copy you're technically legal, so unless you have other reasons to reinstall, you could just run with what you have. Eventually you will want to go ahead and reinstall; perhaps because Microsoft will begin enforcing legal updates only or many other reasons. In the interim, you'd be fine.
Oh, and as for Windows not showing up in it's own add/remove list... it can't! I suppose there could be an entry to "remove Windows" after which you'd be left with a machine with no operating system - which wouldn't make a lot of sense. I sure wouldn't put it there. Too many people would hit it by accident and be left with an unusable machine!
Article C2228 - November 20, 2004 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
February 15, 2009 7:51 AM
I have just bought a new computer and it came with an illegal copy of Windows XP Professional, thanks to this site I now know i can install my legal copy of Windows XP SP 2 Home Edition ( I just have to find out how to back up. My question though is that since i still have the illegal copy of Windows XP in my computer, is it the reason why I am unable to use Windows Live Messenger? It keeps saying something like ..' service is temporarily unavailable'...Thanks in advance if you could help me with this...
June 12, 2009 9:55 AM
Hi to All:)
I've searched solution for similar problem a while ago. Hope this helps to someone:
http://en.kioskea.net/faq/sujet-1634-legalize-a-copy-version-of-windows
February 14, 2010 2:14 AM
No need of new instalation!
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/PKUInstructions.aspx
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html
March 3, 2010 10:26 AM
I think you can register the copy of XP already installed on the PC. No need to reload the new copy. Just register with the new legal product key. Just so long as the two versions are the same (home, pro, etc...).
August 17, 2012 7:54 PM
I wonder if the comments made here apply to Win 7? I have the same problem in that I have purchased a used Dell Laptop which came with Win 7 Ultimate installed. Windows Update was enabled and all seemed fine until I tried to install MSE and was advised that installed Win 7 "May" be illegal. I contacted Microsoft for help/assistance and they confirmed that it is an illegal install. They also advised me that I needed to purchase a legal copy of O/S at approx AU$400. Dell gave the same answer but dearer still. I had used the Microsoft reporting system which stated that I "May" be eligible for a complimentary copy of the software in return for giving them the report and details of supplier etc. Note the "May" again! I gave them all the information I could, then they said, "Not eligible for complimentary copy". Gee am I surprised? Don't count on any assistance from them or the computer manufacturer. I could almost buy a new machine for the cost of the software. Could sure buy new one if added the cost of used machine to the software cost. I hope the machine will handle Win 8 when it is released. If not I will revert to Win XP as I have several full versions that have never been opened/used, or maybe I will have to finally learn to install and used Linux? I have been going to do this for several years. I am not sure if it is feasible on a well spec'd Dell. Any advice will be gratefully accepted. Thanks for an excellent service Leo. I read every issue your news letter and come to website often for more detail.
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