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    I purchased a used dell computer, and installed XP from a disk provided by my office tech.

    I then separately purchased three licenses directly from MS, however, I have never been able to update the license key on my machine.

    As a result, my current product key is considered invalid.

    Question:  How can update my valid product key WITHOUT having to reinstall windows?

    Any other help would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Joe
    Saturday, April 28, 2007 1:07 PM

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    Raehm,

    Please follow these steps for assistance:

    Step 1 is to run the utility at this link http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012, then click the Windows tab, click the "Copy" button, then paste the report into a response in this thread.

    Step 2 is to look on the computer or with the materials you received with the computer or with your retail purchase of  Windows to see if you have a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).  If you have one, tell us about the COA.  Tell us:

    1.  What edition of Windows XP is it for, Home, Pro, or Media Center, or another version of Windows?

    2.  Does it read "OEM Software" or "OEM Product" in black lettering?

    3.  Or, does it have the computer manufacturer's name in black lettering?

    4.  DO NOT post the Product Key.

    Not sure what to look for?  See this page for reference:  http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/coa.mspx

    Saturday, April 28, 2007 2:36 PM
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    Hi raehm,

     

    You may use the Product Key Update Tool at http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/pkuinstructions.aspx, but if the tool doesn't work for you (error during key swap) then the only alternative is to Reinstall using the Genuine key.

     

    Thank you,

    Darin Smith

    MGA Forum Program Manager

    --------------------------------------------------------

    All Users: Please go to http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1255325&SiteID=25 before posting a question.

    --------------------------------------------------------

     

     

    Monday, April 30, 2007 6:26 PM