validate Windows XP

Rashputin wrote:
"Daave" wrote in message
...
Jack Simmons wrote:
Hello,
I recently purchased a used computer from a private party with Win.
XP professional installed. I was assured it was a legitimate
version of Windows. I got online and tried to update Windows with
the latest service packs and during install of SP2 got a message
that my
software was not validated and it would not install. I wondered what
my options are to get my copy of Windows updated. I would really
like
to do this for security and compatibility reasons. Thanks in
advance.
J. Simmons

I'm aware that in all likelihood, this version of Windows is not
legitimate.

However, is it possible that it is legitimate and that there has
been a false positive vis-a-vis validation? Is it possible the
original owner purchased a retail copy of XP Pro and later lost the
disk?

I would imagine if this unlikely scenario was the case, it wouldn't
matter because without proof of purchase, the new owner is SOL.



I have 2 HPs that never would validate for updates even though
they were purchased with the OS installed and had all the right
stickers on the case, etc. Since they came with a recovery partition
rather than a CD that proved to be a real problem after a while. I
spoke with both HP and MS about the problem and the only solution
seemed to be to go exchange the computers for two more and try again.
Since they were no longer available in one case and no longer on sale
in the other, I declined and have since relied on getting what
upgrades and patches I could wherever I could. I've never tried some
of the stuff floating around that's supposed to make anything you
have pass the validation, but then again, I don't have problems that
are driving me to find a fix. The point is, I guess, that it seems
like some VLKs expire and the same vendor has a new active one for
the product line. So, I wouldn't instantly suspect the former owner
of installing an illegal copy.

There's not enough information from OP.

First, OP said:

I recently purchased a used computer from a private party with Win.
XP professional installed. I was assured it was a legitimate
version of Windows.

And in another post:

The HD was wiped before I bought it and the only thing on the hard
drive was a fresh install of WinXP Pro. (albeit not a valid copy)
and
little else.

So, it *seems* like this is the case (that is, OP himself suspects an
illegal copy). But if his PC were an HP (or other OEM) that originally
came with XP Pro and the proper means of "reinstalling" the OS is by
restoring an image from a hidden partition, then you would be correct.*
But since OP didn't go into detail, I am assuming otherwise (right or
wrong).

* And if that's the case, OP should contact the OEM, stating the model
number, and ask for instructions on how to "reinstall." (Or he could
just ask here.)