Piracy

[Simon Lam]

I have recently purchased a 2nd hand computer with Windows
XP Pro installed. Is there any way that I can check
whether the O/S is a pirated version or not? Thanks.

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Simon;
Do you have the original Product Key (not copied or hand written)?
Do you have the original Windows XP CD (not burned)?
If no to either of the above, then you may not have a legal copy.

Also:
Does it fit this:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=326904
If it does, you most likely have a pirated Windows XP Pro.
If it is pirated, you need to contact the seller and/or Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/reporting/default.asp
Also you have 2 options to become legal:
1. Perform a Clean Install with the OS of your choice destroying ALL
data.
2. Purchase Windows XP Pro (Home will not work) and perform a Repair
Installation using the new valid key and CD:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm


--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"Simon Lam" > wrote in message
...
> I have recently purchased a 2nd hand computer with Windows
> XP Pro installed. Is there any way that I can check
> whether the O/S is a pirated version or not? Thanks.

[Lil' Dave]

In the case of the OEM version of XP, a sticker with the product key is
provided. This sticker is supposed to be affixed to the exterior of the PC
case.
The product key allows use of the installation CD.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

An easy way to find out is an attempt to activate.
Dave
"Simon Lam" > wrote in message
...
> I have recently purchased a 2nd hand computer with Windows
> XP Pro installed. Is there any way that I can check
> whether the O/S is a pirated version or not? Thanks.