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How to check if legit XP already installed



 
 
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  #1  
Old December 1st 08, 11:52 PM posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
groupie
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3
Default How to check if legit XP already installed

Hi,
Just bought a legit copy of XP Home but I'm suspicious that the box
had been opened before I got it and the software installed on someone
else PC.
Without installing the software on my own PC, is there a way to check
first if the copy has been already used?

Thanks.
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  #2  
Old December 2nd 08, 12:12 AM posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
Fred[_14_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 9
Default How to check if legit XP already installed

On Mon, 1 Dec 2008 14:52:15 -0800 (PST), groupie
wrote:

Just bought a legit copy of XP Home but I'm suspicious that the box
had been opened before I got it and the software installed on someone
else PC.
Without installing the software on my own PC, is there a way to check
first if the copy has been already used?


No
  #3  
Old December 2nd 08, 12:44 AM posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
Leonard Grey[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,048
Default How to check if legit XP already installed

You could call Microsoft and ask them if the product key is legitimate.
But if you have serious concerns, and the box isn't opened, exchange
your install CD for another.
---
Leonard Grey
Packin' the 'K'

groupie wrote:
Hi,
Just bought a legit copy of XP Home but I'm suspicious that the box
had been opened before I got it and the software installed on someone
else PC.
Without installing the software on my own PC, is there a way to check
first if the copy has been already used?

Thanks.

  #4  
Old December 2nd 08, 12:57 AM posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
Eddie Hyde
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 23
Default How to check if legit XP already installed

On Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:44:41 -0500, Leonard Grey
wrote:

You could call Microsoft and ask them if the product key is legitimate.


Are you certain about that or are you pulling this one out of your
ass? My guess is that MS won't answer such questions.

But if you have serious concerns, and the box isn't opened, exchange
your install CD for another.
---
Leonard Grey
Packin' the 'K'

  #5  
Old December 2nd 08, 10:24 AM posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
Mick Murphy
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,409
Default How to check if legit XP already installed


--
Mad Mike


"Eddie Hyde" wrote:

On Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:44:41 -0500, Leonard Grey
wrote:

You could call Microsoft and ask them if the product key is legitimate.


Are you certain about that or are you pulling this one out of your
ass? My guess is that MS won't answer such questions.

But if you have serious concerns, and the box isn't opened, exchange
your install CD for another.
---
Leonard Grey
Packin' the 'K'


  #6  
Old December 3rd 08, 05:25 AM posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
Anteaus
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,330
Default How to check if legit XP already installed

The CD is not what matters, so long as it's a pressed Microsoft-logo CD and
not a CD-R you're OK. You can tell CD-Rs by the darker active surface. All
CDs of a given type (OEM/Retail/Volume License) and SP-level are identical.

The issue is that if the key has been used it may not activate a second
time. This can normally be overcome by calling the activation hotline and
explaining the situation. Even then you should not need to reinstall, you can
change the pirated key for a legit one post-install.

"groupie" wrote:

Hi,
Just bought a legit copy of XP Home but I'm suspicious that the box
had been opened before I got it and the software installed on someone
else PC.
Without installing the software on my own PC, is there a way to check
first if the copy has been already used?

Thanks.

  #7  
Old December 3rd 08, 11:14 AM posted to microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
Mick Murphy
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,409
Default How to check if legit XP already installed

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/faq.aspx

FAQs about genuine software.
--
Mad Mike


"groupie" wrote:

Hi,
Just bought a legit copy of XP Home but I'm suspicious that the box
had been opened before I got it and the software installed on someone
else PC.
Without installing the software on my own PC, is there a way to check
first if the copy has been already used?

Thanks.

 




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