[cliffhucker]

I am working on a clients pc and I installed XP PRo sp1 with a disk I had and am not using on anything (pc's) else.

It activated alright and updated to SP3.

However, I am wondering if I can change the license key (using keyfinder) to a key that the client has in hopes it will give me back usability of my copy/key?
Would it not hurt to try to see if it takes the clients key?

thanks for any advice

 

[lornaevo]

If you use your Key, there is no way (short of calling microsoft) to reverse that. Once it's used, it's used.

 

[peterhuang913]

You can change it. But your key is already used/

 

[cliffhucker]

If you use your Key, there is no way (short of calling microsoft) to reverse that. Once it's used, it's used.

I figured there was no reversing the fact that I used mine. But at least if I needed to use it again in the future I would not have to lie to MS that I changed th key on that install.


Last question:
Since I should not bother changing it. Can I use the clients unused key on any install I do with any of my used XP disc's?
i.e; will his key work on any XP disc? if his key is for SP1 will it work on an SP2 disc install?

Because I installed my good XPsp2 disc on this clients PC and tried using the key from my SP1 disc and it did not work., So I installed the SP1 and went through all the updating.

thanks for the help

 

[peterhuang913]

Yes, you can use his unused key. It will work as long as it's the same thing, Home or Professional.

 

[cliffhucker]

Yes, you can use his unused key. It will work as long as it's the same thing, Home or Professional.

great, thanks.

I wonder why my sp1 key did not work with my sp2 disc? they were both xp pro?

 

[cliffhucker]

Another on topic question:

If I was able to activate XP and do all the updates alright, then should this install be ok as long as I do not use the key elsewhere? or could someday I get a "deactivated" if windows update realizes this key has been used on other PC's in the past?

I just do not want to give the PC to a client only for him to have issues in the future?

So, is an install good for ever once it passes activation?

thanks again

 

[justpassingby]

Use the following registry tweak from MS to deactivate Windows, phone Microsoft and explain your situation : http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874. They'll allow you to change the product activation to match the client's product key.

If WGA detects a duplicate key Windows won't be able to download and install updates anymore. You want to use the client's key on the client's computer and your key on your computer.

I've heard that sometimes SP1 keys won't work with SP2 installation, your best bet is to install XP SP1, activate then update to SP2/SP3. The key will definitely not work if it's one of the illegal volume licence keys that leaked on the internet.