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How do I unistall a pirated copy of Windows XP and install genuine copy?

A friend of mine had installed a windows xp pro cd on her desktop only to find that this was a pirated copy. She now receives the error message: This copy of windows is not genuine. She does not have the pirated CD, but, does have her original copy of window xp Home edition cd. How can she uninstall the pirated copy and reinstall her original OS?

spprivate

If it was same version then Insert the windows CD and start setup.In the option select Repair.Rest will be taken care.
But in your case,better backup all the files and format and install.

ArtieG

Sadly to say, Private is correct.

If you were going from one version to the same version you would be fine. It is also possible to upgrade from home to pro. However, going from XP Pro to XP Home is not possible.

The only way to go from XP Pro to XP Home is to do a reformat of the drive and a rebuild of the operating system. As stated already, start backing up your data...

mystics7

i agree with spprivate back up everything and start from scratch

TechStudent007

ASKER

Isn't it possible to get a legitimate copy of windows xp pro and then simply do a boot from the cd drive from this now legit copy of window xp?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

SwassLikeMe

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spprivate

Thats one way,but I thought she already have a legal copy of Windows Home Edition.If she wants to forefeit that and still stay with XP Pro,yes Contact Microsoft Support and they will help you purchase a license and make this legal

ArtieG

If she is willing to continue with XP Pro and purchase a new license for this, then, follow Swass' instructions. They will most definitely get the computer up and running with XP Pro. IF however the choice is to go with the legal copy of XP Home that she already has, then she will have to rebuild her drive and start over with the legal copy of XP Home

TechStudent007

ASKER

This was the best answer. I will now contact Microsoft for the steps to take to make this illegal copy of window XP SP2 legal.

TechStudent007

ASKER

SwassLikeMe answer is the best possible answer for people in this type of situation. The simplest and easist solution is to purchase a key for the pirated software. In this manner you will not lose data and settings. Also the long process of a reinstall will be eliminated.

Thanks everyone for their assistance!

I have already posted another question to be resolved.

TechStudent007.