WXP Corp to Pro Question

[E3]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this belongs in the SP1 or WXP section (since it's related to both) so I posted it in both sections. I hope that's okay...

I'm considering giving in due to all this SP1/WPA/WUD garbage and changing over to a 'real' copy of WXP. I'm currently running a Corp version with a generated (blue list) key. I really don't want to do a complete/clean reinstall because I've got lots of other programs already installed that I use every day.

Here's my question... Can I use the method of deactivating my Corp key via the registry (oobetimer), run the msoobe and give it my new real key(WXP Pro), and then activate it? Will the Corp version run with a Pro key? If not, are there any files I can modify so I can use the the new Pro key with my current OS and not have to do a complete Windows reinstall?

Thank you,
E3

[NosMo]

This question is on alot of peoples minds.
For those of you who decide it is just too much of a drag to worry over what windows update might or might not do in the future and decide to go 'Legal' here is the way.
You do not have to format and do a virgin install.
If you are runing Corp then a retail Win XP pro upgrade can be used to do a 'repair'. Enter the legal key when asked and the DO corp becomes a legit version with all you programes, configs intact. Activate online.
Remember a home version can NOT be used to do this and it will fail.
I do NOT know if this will work if the illegal corp version has all ready been updated to SP1 but I am sure someone will let us know in due time.
Back up all documents etc before you attempt.
Usual disclaimers etc

[E3]

Hi NosMo,

It worked perfectly! Just as you said, it let me choose the 'upgrade' option to repair the current installation. I gave it the new key, activated it, and it came back up with all my other programs intact (whew!). Even though I've activated it now, I still just can't bring myself to register it too though. One step of conformity in one day is enough. BTW, what does 'registration' do for you (help/support?)?

One little unrelated (I think) glitch... When I installed 1106 sp1 and rebooted, it didn't pick up my usb network card/cable modem (which was plugged into a hub). I plugged it into one of the ports directly on the m/b and it works though. Are there any issues related to the new usb2.0 drivers affecting this sort of thing?

Thanks for your advice. I'm glad at least one person (out of almost 200 views!) had the answer a lot of us were wondering about. I hope this helps others now too .

Thank you,
E3

[rikytik]

Dumb question: What is the benefit of changing from Corp to Pro?

I'm confused.

[E3]

Quote:

Originally posted by rikytik@Yesterday at 6:51 pm
Dumb question: What is the benefit of changing from Corp to Pro?

I'm confused.

Hi rikytik,

The benefit was to run a legit key and not have to be concerned about any of the issues regarding wxpsp1 and windows update. I usually don't worry too much about rumors, but a lot of the hype surrounding sp1 and MS's newly found resolve to really lock things down seemed like a little bit more than just inuendo to me this time. This change just gives me peace of mind that my OS will 'keep on tickin' when and how I want it to, and I won't have to put up with the BS of possible future 'patching this', 'modifying that', and not being able to connect to WUD.

I'm not suggesting that anyone go out and spend a heap a dough on an 'off the shelf' Pro. Just do a little hunting and ask around. If you can find something reasonable, the peace of mind is worth it.

All the best (and Good Luck ),
E3

[DavidH]

NosMo,
Thanks a lot, it worked as advertised with NO problem.
Thanks again,
DavidH



Last edited by DavidH at Today at 7:42 pm

Having some problems... windows copies all the files over successfully, but after the first restart to continue the installation, the keyboard freezes--but the blue srolling bar keeps going. any ideas? I've tried redoing this part of the upgrade many times with the same results. I had DevilsOwn (no SP1) installed before this version of Pro. I was thinking of doing a clean install anyway, so i might do that instead...

thanks,
CaP



Last edited by cappaberra at Today at 12:48 am

[E3]

Hi cappaberra,

Sorry to hear you're having trouble. The 'freeze/hang' could be related to a thousand different things, and unless your able to see what's trying to load when it hangs, it doesn't sound like there's much you can do (there's people in this forum that know much more than I do though). The problem must be somehow related to your individual system so if you can do a fresh install (as you mentioned), that's probably the best thing overall.

Best of luck,
E3

Yea... I did, and everything is working perfectly. I was sorta planning on doing a clean install before this, so it kinda ended up the way i wanted anyways... It just takes so damn long to get all my software and settings back to where they were before... I'll be sure and make an image of my computer before I do anything else stupid to crash it again. lol...

-CaP

[rikytik]

Thanks E3 for your thoughtful response. Somehow I can't imagine that a Corporate installation with SP-1 can be fouled up--except maybe if there is some unforeseen ability in Windows Update Page, beginning in October, as rumored, that will be able to determine that a Blue List Key isn't a "good key".