Windows XP Pro Counterfeit

I recently got a message from microsoft that I cant get rid of that says my winows version is counterfeit. My computer came with Home Editon but a friend put Professional on it (Im stupid for doing it, I know) Anyways I still have the product key for Home edition but I dont know how it is any use to me since I have Professional now. Is there anything I can do????????


My Specs are included

 

Did your friend already install it on his computer? If so then he most likely does not have a licence to put that copy of windows on more then one machine. You have a couple of choices, you can buy a new product key for it, or put the Home edition back onto your computer. There are other Illegal ways that I will not mention .

 

How do I put the home edition back on without having a CD. Is the key I have for home edition useless

 

yes, the key you have for the home edition is useless and will only work with Home edition. Do you have a windows CD that came with the computer?

 

My computer did not come with a windows CD. On start up you were prompted to set up windows

 

I'm afraid your out of luck then. You need to find someone who has a windows XP home edition CD and install that, or buy a new product key for XP pro.

 

Ok thanks I was just wondering what route I would have to take. I guess it will be the unmentioned one.
thanks for the help

 

I would contact your computer manufactor as what you are discribing is an OEM copy of Windows XP Home Edition that came installed with your computer, which you still have the product key for. So yes you can reinstall that as your machine is still licenced. Hope that helps

 

You may be able to order a recovery CD from the manufacturer for a fee. Contact them. You have a legitimate license to use the Home edition if only you can install it.