Non Genuine Windows Package

[mm2011]

Without going into my sorry tale of woe at length, suffice it to say that I now find I am using a non-genuine windows package and non-genuine office package.

Have tried, unsuccessfully, to get anywhere with Microsoft so after reading various articles, etc., thought I would buy a genuine copy of Windows XP Home Basic.  I am currently using WP Professional.  I don't think I have to buy an office package as I understand there are 'free' versions of office software available.

Could a 'complete novice' install this? 

I did visit a local pc shop (not the one who sold me the 'duff' copy) who asked why was I bothering?  He could, for a price, get rid of the WGA messages, disable my automatic updates, get me back to Windows Media 10, etc. etc.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.

[honvetops]

Yes,  you can do it !!!!

[honvetops]

I (had purchased)  a  FULL Version of windows  ME  in like  2001..... paid like  200.00  at best buy  I think.

using the "old" full version,  I was able to only purchase the "upgrade" windows xp  disk  (thus saving like 150+ bucks) 

you insert the upgrade version , then the puter will ask you to install the older full version "to read some kind of files" off the disk....

then you can go back and it will fully install  xp for you from the upgrade disk.
just  f.y..i   it worked for me.........

do you have an  older  wndws 98  full disk anywhere  etc.....

[CBMatt]

I did visit a local pc shop (not the one who sold me the 'duff' copy) who asked why was I bothering?  He could, for a price, get rid of the WGA messages, disable my automatic updates, get me back to Windows Media 10, etc. etc.

It's too bad for you we don't condone this sort of thing here because we could easily do this for free.  Heh.

I've never installed Home over Professional, but you shouldn't be able to do it without too many problems coming up.

[Raptor]

I did visit a local pc shop (not the one who sold me the 'duff' copy) who asked why was I bothering?  He could, for a price, get rid of the WGA messages, disable my automatic updates, get me back to Windows Media 10, etc. etc.

It's too bad for you we don't condone this sort of thing here because we could easily do this for free.  Heh.

I've never installed Home over Professional, but you shouldn't be able to do it without too many problems coming up.

He charges you for messing up your installation of XP? You should report him to the Microsoft anti-piracy line.

[patio]

I (had purchased)  a  FULL Version of windows  ME  in like  2001..... paid like  200.00  at best buy  I think.

using the "old" full version,  I was able to only purchase the "upgrade" windows xp  disk  (thus saving like 150+ bucks) 

you insert the upgrade version , then the puter will ask you to install the older full version "to read some kind of files" off the disk....

then you can go back and it will fully install  xp for you from the upgrade disk.
just  f.y..i   it worked for me.........

do you have an  older  wndws 98  full disk anywhere  etc.....

All you need for XP is the older version CD...there is no need to install the old version...just insert the old version CD when prompted.

You might have to enter the reg code but an install is not neccessary.

[GX1_Man]

You will have to format the drive as this is a totally different version of Windows, which will require reinstalling the programs. Back up your data first.