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How to transfer Windows XP to new owner

Discussion in 'Other PC Software' started by macpez, 2006/06/24.

  1. 2006/06/24
    macpez

    macpez Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello.

    I received a computer from a relative with Windows XP Home Ed. software on it. After I reinstalled the operating system software and set up the computer with my name, I could not validate the software on the Microsoft Web site or update the software.

    My relative bought a new computer and new software, so duplication of use is not an issue. I assume the problem is that Microsoft has the product key listed for the previous owner and will not validate my reinstallation. (I have all the disks, etc.)

    What is the procedure for transferring Windows XP software to a new owner?

    Thanks, macpez
     
    macpez,
    #1
  2. 2006/06/25
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    MS always say that no personal information is transferred on activation or validation so the name change is not a problem.

    Are you unable to activate or validate?

    You are certain that the disk you used is the one used for the original install of Windows? Is it an OEM disk? - MS changed the procedures for these some time ago.

    When you attempt to validate what message are you seeing? Any suggestion that the product is an illegal copy or pirated?

    Is SP1 or SP2 included in the install? - updates are no longer available for pre SP1 installs and this may be the reason why you cannot validate.
     
    PeteC,
    #2


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  4. 2006/06/25
    macpez

    macpez Inactive Thread Starter

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    Pete,

    The computer originally had Windows ME installed. My aunt purchased Windows XP (Hm. ed.) with SP1 upgrade awhile back and installed it. When she gave the computer to me, I reinstalled Windows XP using the same upgrade CD she purchased.

    The installation went smoothly and the software was activated on-line when the installation was finished. The problem was when I went to the Microsoft web site and tried to update the software. I received a message saying something like "cannot validate software" and then telling me how to prevent software piracy, etc.

    Note: During the reinstallation process I had to insert the original Windows ME CD to confirm that a valid operating system previously existed, and then reinsert the Windows XP CD with SP1 to continue the installation.

    Since all the software is legitimate, I just assumed that the problem was because I set up the computer with my name instead of my aunt's name? I tried updating on their web site a few times and kept getting the same "unable to validate" message.

    Short of calling Microsoft, I can't think of anything else I can do? I appreciate your input.

    Thanks, macpez
     
    macpez,
    #3
  5. 2006/06/26
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    From what you describe the installation was completely 'standard' and ran exactly as expected. The fact that you were able to activate confirms no problems with the OS.

    As far as applying the critical patches/updates is concerned if you set updates to Automatic they will be downloaded - vaildated or not.

    Other thoughts - check the clock - is the time/date correct?

    You receive a "Validation Incomplete: Online Validation Failure" error message or a "0x80080204" error code when you try to validate Windows XP

    The Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation check process does not complete when you try to validate your copy of Windows XP or Windows 2000 Professional

    You can download SP2 from here - need broadband/cable - 266 Mb ....

    http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

    or order the CD from here ....

    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

    Installing SP2 may help - just guessing here :)
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2006/07/08
    JRosenfeld

    JRosenfeld Inactive

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    Perhaps a bit late in the day, but you did not need to reinstall XP to change the owner name:

    http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310441

    You could also simply have created a new account for yourself and then deleted the ones on the system you no longer needed.
     
    JRosenfeld,
    #5

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