Windows XP - Validation

I have Windows XP installed on my laptop PC. I tried to install the necessary updates but it says that my copy of Windows cannot be validated as it appears to be a pirated copy. I bought this computer from Dell and had loaned it to a friend for several months. He says he did not put anything on it. Now what to do?

 

Go to activate Windows where?

 

Okay found my product codes using the program you gave the link for. I have two codes showing up. One for XP home and One for XP Pro. Now what?

 

Restore the Dell software. Thats about it. You can try reactivating it with the DELL key you have and see if it makes a difference.

 

Dell only gives one. You wont have product keys for both unless its pirated. Does your XP CD say Memorex on it?

Seriously though, it would appear the two keys show that he DID install something on there, most likely pirated Pro.

What did your computer ship with, and what version do you have now?

 

I tried the activation thing from the previous post and it says my copy is already activated. No it doesn't say Memorex......it says sony I still have my disks from Dell, but I am trying to keep from losing data because my system is full of course work from seminary.

 

It shipped with Windows XP - Home. That is what disk I have for it.

 

What version is it now? Right click on my computer and choose properties.

 

Microsoft Windows XP - Professional Version 2002 Service Pack 2

 

Some friend--go kick his butt!

You will need to backup your data and do a fresh installation of XP Home to fix this.

 

Thanks.

 

Best to write down that Home key, just in case.

 

Okay. Is there a thread on here about how to "crash" a system and bring it back up after I backup my data?

 

Also, the version of Home I have is with Service Pack 1. Will that make a difference?

 

On a clean install? No. You will b e upgrading back to SP2 anyway.

On the install:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

If you want to be really geeky, and thats a vanilla XP CD, you can slipstream SP2 into it before you install, then burn it back to CD