[Shark]

I got my PC from a small shop that evidently loaded an "unauthorized" version
of XP. Can I buy a VALID version, and just reload it, WITHOUT LOSING ALL MY
DATA? (I.E. without reformating the disk). thanks

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll need to purchase a "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and then proceed with a "Repair Install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

Reporting Software Piracy:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ReportingUs.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

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

"Shark" wrote:

| I got my PC from a small shop that evidently loaded an "unauthorized" version
| of XP. Can I buy a VALID version, and just reload it, WITHOUT LOSING ALL MY
| DATA? (I.E. without reformating the disk). thanks

[Gale]

Why not XP Home?

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:OOIxEFDeFHA.2888@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
You'll need to purchase a "Full Version" of Windows XP Professional
and then proceed with a "Repair Install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

Reporting Software Piracy:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ReportingUs.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

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

"Shark" wrote:

| I got my PC from a small shop that evidently loaded an "unauthorized"
version
| of XP. Can I buy a VALID version, and just reload it, WITHOUT LOSING ALL
MY
| DATA? (I.E. without reformating the disk). thanks

[Shark]

What about the data files? Will they be lost?

"Shark" wrote:

> I got my PC from a small shop that evidently loaded an "unauthorized" version
> of XP. Can I buy a VALID version, and just reload it, WITHOUT LOSING ALL MY
> DATA? (I.E. without reformating the disk). thanks

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Because the pirated version is XP Pro and not XP Home.
Installing XP Home would require reformatting the drive.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

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

"Gale" wrote:

| Why not XP Home?

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Properly performed, a "Repair Install" would retain your
existing files and programs. It would be wise to backup
your important data files to a CD....just in case.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

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

"Shark" wrote:

| What about the data files? Will they be lost?

[J&P]

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:OzVqwRDeFHA.1612@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Because the pirated version is XP Pro and not XP Home.

Carey, how did you work that out?

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The only known pirated version of Windows XP is the Professional version.
It is a "Volume License" version and Microsoft knows the pirated Product Key
numbers. Thus, this pirated version is not eligible for any updates.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

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

"J&P" wrote:

| Carey, how did you work that out?

[J&P]

Thanks, Cary.

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <cnfrisch@nospamgmail.com> wrote in message
news:uR4D3dDeFHA.1504@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> The only known pirated version of Windows XP is the Professional version.
> It is a "Volume License" version and Microsoft knows the pirated Product
> Key
> numbers. Thus, this pirated version is not eligible for any updates.
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows XP - Shell/User
> Microsoft Newsgroups
>
> Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> "J&P" wrote:
>
> | Carey, how did you work that out?
>

[uggabugga]

I'd report that shop to Microsoft. If they are ripping people off selling PCs
with unauthorized software, they should get locked up and fined.
--
That's just like my opinion, Man........


"Shark" wrote:

> I got my PC from a small shop that evidently loaded an "unauthorized" version
> of XP. Can I buy a VALID version, and just reload it, WITHOUT LOSING ALL MY
> DATA? (I.E. without reformating the disk). thanks