Security Updates, Prod Key and Win Genuine Advantage

[BobNY]

I have a rather awkward problem and would appreciate some advice. My computer has two hard drives. Each drive is completely isolated from the other with its own OS. I use a drive selector switch to boot-up to either Drive 1 or Drive 2. When Drive 1 is booted up, Drive 2 is unavailable and vice-versa. Drive 1 was the original drive that came with the computer and had Windows ME installed. I upgraded from ME to Windows XP-home using upgrade software from the computer manufacturer. The upgrade was valid and legal. I later installed Drive 2 and installed a different operating system, Windows XP Pro. I purchased XP pro from an online vendor and have discovered that Windows will not allow me to upgrade the security bulletins. It seems that the version of the XP-pro I bought is not valid from Microsoft’s point of view. Windows Genuine Advantage will not validate my Key on Drive 2 for XP-pro and prevents a download of the critical bulletins. However, I am able to upgrade the security bulletins for Drive 1 with no problem.

Some options I’ve considered:
1) If possible, take the valid Product Key from Drive 1 and transfer it to Drive 2 so that Windows Genuine Advantage will allow the critical update downloads. I do not however know how to change the Key on Drive 2.
2) Disable Windows Genuine Advantage on Drive 2 and attempt to download the updates. I do not know however if Microsoft will permit all of the downloads with Windows Genuine Advantage disabled.
3) Copy the critical updates from Drive 1 to Drive 2. One problem with this is that they might not be properly installed if they are just copied to the proper directory.
4) Purchase another valid copy of XP-pro, and use the new Key. However, the new software would not be installed since it would destroy the data already on the drive. The data on the drive cannot be lost. It is too valuable. And, again I'd have to be able to change the Key on Drive 2.

Given the current circumstances, anyone have any ideas on this?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[franklin97355]

These are not the forums to be asking questions like this. I would suggest backing up your data and reinstalling the OS from a good copy of xp.

 

[BobNY]

@Franklin97355

I'm in no way intending on doing anything illegal. What is wrong with my question? There is nothing illegal about my activity. This is so because BOTH operating systems are on the SAME computer. If the software on Drive 2 was in a different computer, then a copyright infringement would be in place. This may be a technicality, but it's a fact.

 

[linney]

I purchased XP pro from an online vendor"

Have you confirmed whether this copy is actually a legal copy?

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

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;905226&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Windows Validation Assistant Questions

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/uk/windows/validation_faq.mspx

You'll need the "full retail version" of Windows XP Pro and to perform a "repair install" and save your current data. Some points below may have to be taken into consideration.

OEM's only go in as a clean install normally.

Should you purchase an OEM license version of XP?
faq779-4004

To be honest I'm not sure what would happen if you tried a repair install using an OEM on a separate , different version of Windows?

http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_legalize_my_windows_xp_installation.html

This mentions a program to just swap Product Keys.
Undo Upgrade?
thread779-934075

Changing your Product ID after installation
faq779-4300

HOW TO: Change the Product Key at the Time of Activation

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

You could try Microsoft Suport and see what they say is the best option?

 

[BobNY]

Thanks Linney,
I'll followup on your rec's. My preference would be to just buy a new key from microsoft, swap the new key with the old, and move on. I appreciate your input.
Bob

 

[gpalmer711]

Also be aware that valid installs are sometimes flagged as invalid. Try calling Microsoft to see if the WGA software is just plain wrong.

Try the Windows Validation Assistant to see if you get different results.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/uk/windows/default.mspx

Also this bit concerns me

However, the new software would not be installed since it would destroy the data already on the drive. The data on the drive cannot be lost. It is too valuable.

Do you not have a backup procedure in place?? If not I would strongly recommend starting one now. Unexpected things can happen to the best of us, see thread779-943473 as an example.

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[BadBigBen]

Hola, some good info you have gotten sofar from the Crew...

to explain a bit what you asked...

Point 1.) it is not Possible to use a HOME KEY on a PRO Version of the Software... basically, two different animals in the same outfit...

Point 2.) This will not work... Windows Genuine Advantage not active on the OS, No download over the Automatic Update...

Point 3.) This will not work either, as the only thing you might find are the MIGRATION files and the real updates are somewhere else, integrated... unless they are sitting on your PC somewhere as single update packages...

Point 4.) This will work... by running an install over the original inplace OS, will update the key... see what Member Linney had posted... you could also use the option that linney mentioned (Changing your Product ID after installation FAQ779-4300)...

and definately, do yourself the favour and use gpalmers suggestion about backing up that valuable data...

Have fun...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[BobNY]

@linney, gpalmer711, and BadBigBen
You guys are the best. Yes, I do need to create a backup schema. Actually, the drive in question is my backup drive. I will eventually also create a backup for the backup!

I definitaly want to go the legal route since anytime in the past that I've tried a workaround or half-baked solution, it blew up in my face. Maybe it's bad Karma! From what I've read, the best version to purchase is a retail version since the OEM versions have limitations. I'll use the utility mentioned above to update the Key. If all else fails, I can always just reinstall the newly purchased software!

Thanks again for your help,
Bob