# Getting right with Microsoft **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 10, 2008, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316 "2008-10-10T14:08:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/1 "2008-10-10T14:08:28Z")
Stunning title, isn’t it? I bought my box used from a guy I know. Before giving it to me, he installed Windows XP Pro using a disk set he had. Needless to say, I didn’t get the disks and MS – quite understandably – won’t update anything; I’m still on SP 1. Well, I’ve gotten nervous enough that I’ve bought an OEM edition of XP Pro on e-Bay. Cost $109 and it’s in an original-looking shrinkwrap package with the sticker you’re supposed to apply to box intact, so I’m reasonably sure it has not been registered before. My question is, how do I go about changing the product key from whatever it is on my box now to the one on my new copy? This is not something I’ve had to do before. Logic says I just push the disk in and follow the instructions for a partial install, but we all know how well logic and MS get along. I’m not at all confident whether doing so will a) Accomplish my goal or b) Require a reinstall of all my applications and files. I’d like ‘yes’ on the first and ‘no’ on the second. Can anybody tell me the right way to go about it? ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/2 "2008-10-10T14:13:30Z")
Sure, check out [these instructions from MS](http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874). They are happy to be “right” with you too 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/3 "2008-10-10T18:36:50Z")
Apparently not. I went to the site, backed up the registry like they recommended, and put in the registration key. They key was off of the Certificate of Authenticity, a fancy-looking one with a silver tape running across it and everything. The format matches what they suggest, five groups of five letters and numbers. When I click on the button, the Incorrect product key error comes up. Anything else to try short of phoning MS as they want me to do? I don’t think it’s a canceled key or something like that as it’s not going online, it just pops up with the error. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/4 "2008-10-10T18:40:20Z")
It sounds like your typing in something incorrectly. Double check and make sure the 0’s are 0’s not o’s, that 8’s are 8’s not b’s, etc. Sometimes the font they use fo rthose keycodes can mae some letters look like numbers and vice versa. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/5 "2008-10-10T18:41:55Z")
Are you sure both what you have installed and the key belong to the same product ID? [Product IDs - Lunarsoft Wiki](http://wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Product_IDs) Why don’t you try installing the OS from the disk? ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/6 "2008-10-10T19:10:57Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > Anything else to try short of phoning MS as they want me to do? This is anecdotal I know, but MS phone support are happy to help you legitimize even blatantly pirated copies of their software. You might have to pay again though if your e-bay key turns out to be non-legit. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/7 "2008-10-10T20:00:44Z")
Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply. ---
**Author:** ![Ximenean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/aca169/32.png) [@Ximenean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ximenean)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/8 "2008-10-10T20:13:06Z")
It doesn’t sound like the licence you are planning to use will be legally valid, by the way. Windows OEM licences are not transferable to other PCs, and are only valid when provided by the system builder with the PC to which they apply. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/9 "2008-10-10T20:19:37Z")
> [@Usram](#): > > Windows OEM licences are not transferable to other PCs, Can you provide a link? It would help me at work.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/10 "2008-10-10T20:26:05Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > It sounds like your typing in something incorrectly. Double check and make sure the 0’s are 0’s not o’s, that 8’s are 8’s not b’s, etc. Sometimes the font they use fo rthose keycodes can mae some letters look like numbers and vice versa. That was my first thought so I triple checked everything, Re-entered the info, closed down completely and re-entered from scratch – no change. There are no Os, Qs, 0s, Bs, 8s, Is or 1s anywhere in the string. Confusion is unlikely > [@sailor](#): > > Are you sure both what you have installed and the key belong to the same product ID? [http://wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Product\_IDs](http://wiki.lunarsoft.net/wiki/Product_IDs) > Why don’t you try installing the OS from the disk? The MPC on my box is 55274 which your site says means _XP Pro generic OEM_. There is no MPC on the packaging or the CoA of the bought program. There are stickers saying “Licensed for distribution only within the United States and Canada” and “This OEM software may not be delivered unless accompanied by the required hardware” etc. Sounds like it could be either 55274 or 55285 Your site says, “The mom and pop stores get 55277 for Home and 55285 for Pro. Typically, generic OEM discs (such as 55277 and **55274** ) will work on these systems, but activation will often fail – you will have to call Microsoft’s activation hotline . . .” Like I said, I’m reluctant to install anything and risk losing my apps and/or info. Looks like a phone call is in order. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/11 "2008-10-10T20:27:08Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply. Where da heck did _that_ come from? ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/12 "2008-10-10T20:28:39Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > Sure, check out [these instructions from MS](http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874). They are happy to be “right” with you too 🙂 From the linked instructions: > [@](#): > > Warning The steps in the article are effective only on Volume License media. If you try these steps on OEM media or on retail media, you will not change the product key. Looks like this won’t work with the disk you have. You probably will need to call Microsoft. ---
**Author:** ![Szlater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/90ced4/32.png) [@Szlater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Szlater)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/13 "2008-10-10T20:30:07Z")
> [@Usram](#): > > It doesn’t sound like the licence you are planning to use will be legally valid, by the way. Windows OEM licences are not transferable to other PCs, and are only valid when provided by the system builder with the PC to which they apply. Nah, I’ve bought OEM licences for windows (XP and Vista) from reputable online shops (OcUK) without an accompanying system. They’re considerably cheaper than retail licences and I have had no problem with activation. I’ve even transfered one to a new self-built PC, that required a phone call to microsoft support, but they sorted me out without asking for any additional payments. ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/14 "2008-10-10T20:47:50Z")
> [@Usram](#): > > It doesn’t sound like the licence you are planning to use will be legally valid, by the way. Windows OEM licences are not transferable to other PCs, and are only valid when provided by the system builder with the PC to which they apply. Nah, they’re not too fussed when you phone them - the automated thing is way more stringent. The OP may well have bought a lemon though - \*caveat emptor - and all that. ---
**Author:** ![Ximenean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/aca169/32.png) [@Ximenean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ximenean)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/15 "2008-10-10T20:54:50Z")
Oh, Microsoft are relaxed about it at the individual consumer level, sure, and will often activate rather dubious Windows installations without any great fuss. But nevertheless, OEM licences bought in this way are not worth anything from a legal point of view. I just thought it was worth mentioning on a board where discussions of IP violation are normally frowned upon. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [October 10, 2008, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/16 "2008-10-10T21:06:27Z")
Seconding a couple things. OEM licenses are cheaper, but non-transferable from machine to machine. Many businesses, reputable or not, will sell you an OEM copy without regard to the legalities or licenseability of the product. Certain MS product support can actually be very good. I’ve never called them for technical support, but I have had to use the phone for licensing issues (swapping out machines with Pro and Home already installed, other builds in remote, net-less locations) and for hardware faults (keyboard of all things). For those interactions, MS was unexpectedly (because, you know, it’s _Microsoft_) helpful. ETA: Thought to add a cite to the OEM assertion. This is from a [MS EULA FAQ](http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/e/3/4e3eace0-4c6d-4123-9d0c-c80436181742/OSLicQA.doc) (warning: word doc) > [@](#): > > **What is the difference between OEM product and Full-Packaged Product (FPP)?** > > ``` > ANSWER. OEM products are intended to be preinstalled on hardware before the end user purchases the product. They are “shrink wrapped” and do not come in a box like the retail products do. Full-Packaged Product (FPP) is boxed with CD(s), manuals, and the EULA and is sold in retail stores in individual boxes. The End User License Agreements (commonly referred to as “EULAs”) for OEM and FPP products are slightly different. One main difference is that an OEM operating system license (such as the license for Windows) cannot be transferred from its original PC to another PC. However, the FPP version of Windows may be transferred to another PC as long as the EULA, manual and media (such as the backup CD) accompany the transfer to the other PC. Also, when a customer purchases an OEM product, the OEM license requires the OEM to provide support for the product. > > ``` > > **How do I know whether I have a genuine OEM license for my operating system?** > > ``` > ANSWER. Microsoft has a website that helps customers determine if they have acquired genuine Microsoft products at http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell. After reviewing the site, if you believe that your Microsoft product may be suspect or counterfeit, you should report this suspected piracy in the tool provided on the website. Alternatively, you may call 1-800-RULEGIT or e-mail piracy@microsoft.com to report any suspected counterfeit or pirated software. > > ``` ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2008, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/17 "2008-10-11T08:05:05Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > There is no MPC on the packaging or the CoA of the bought program. The MPC of your CDs can be determined by looking at the SETUPP.INI in the i386 directory on your disc. (Generally it can even be changed to match the destination) ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2008, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/18 "2008-10-11T08:09:40Z")
Most likely his initial install was using a corporate or Volume licence version. If it is, the new keys are incompatible with the current install. Windows would need to be reloaded clean from OEM disks to resolve this. We do this about 2-3 times a month on customers who bring in pirated XP installs. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2008, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/19 "2008-10-11T09:08:10Z")
> [@drachillix](#): > > Most likely his initial install was using a corporate or Volume licence version. If it is, the new keys are incompatible with the current install. Windows would need to be reloaded clean from OEM disks to resolve this. > > We do this about 2-3 times a month on customers who bring in pirated XP installs. No. He already answered that question: > [@DesertDog](#): > > The MPC on my box is 55274 which your site says means _XP Pro generic OEM_. ---
**Author:** ![lurcio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b77776/32.png) [@lurcio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurcio)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2008, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-right-with-microsoft/467316/20 "2008-10-11T19:59:53Z")
If the copy of XP was bought recently, it’s probably service pack 2c. This uses a different set of product keys to SP1, SP2 and SP2b. (Microsoft ran out of product keys!) [http://bink.nu/news/microsoft-windows-xp-professional-service-pack-2c-release.aspx](http://bink.nu/news/microsoft-windows-xp-professional-service-pack-2c-release.aspx) You should be able to do a repair install of windows to sort it out. [http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx](http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx) Back everything up first.