Making an illegal copy of Windows legal? New serial?

[alexruiz]

Mods, feel free to delete / edit / move as needed.

I am setting up a laptop for my sister. As most of the OEM equipments, it has windows XP home. Being that the machine was bought in the USA in one of my business trips, the OS in in English (obviously). She wants it is Spanish.... Problem is, the only copy of XP in Spanish I could get my hands on is one of those "tweaked" versions that automatically installs it and provides a serial number.... Needless to say, once you want to "validate it" you get the nice message.

Because the machine had its own LEGAL XP licence and serial key, I want to change whatever the OS has right no to the legit license, thus making it legal.

Any advice on how to do it? Should I just receive directions form MS to make it legit? Help is appreciated

Thanks


Alex

 

[RyanGrob]

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5034890.html

I think that may help. From what I understand you wish to change the cd key of the unlegit XP to the legit cd key. If this isn't what you meant, just disregard the link.

 

[RebateMonger]

Each language version of XP requires a different license. You'll need to acquire a Spanish language version of XP (complete with license) and install it. The key on the sticker on your PC won't work with a Spanish version of XP.

CompUSA sells Spanish language versions of XP Home and Professional.

Otherwise, you could call Microsoft and ask.

 

[alexruiz]

That is exactly what I needed! Thanks Ryan, I owe you one! It is perfect!


Alex

 

[cubby1223]

I'd think you can use the illegal copy, install the wga software, and use that to purchase a license from Microsoft for XP Pro at $150. The OS would remain in Spanish.

 

[KillyKillall]

Originally posted by: RyanGrob
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5034890.html

I think that may help. From what I understand you wish to change the cd key of the unlegit XP to the legit cd key. If this isn't what you meant, just disregard the link.

Thanks for posting this. Needed it help my dad with "an issue."

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: KillyKillall

Originally posted by: RyanGrob
http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-1035_11-5034890.html

I think that may help. From what I understand you wish to change the cd key of the unlegit XP to the legit cd key. If this isn't what you meant, just disregard the link.

Thanks for posting this. Needed it help my dad with "an issue."

You can do that too with the wga validation tool - have it connect out to Microsoft's website and there is a key changer software you can download straight from Microsoft that is much easier to use than the manual workarounds.