How to set Windows COA?

[Tech72]

To all the PC techies out there.

One of my home desktop is running with an unlicensed copy of Windows XP Professional, updated with SP2. Obviously this means I'm forever stuck with all the stuff that Windows won't let me further update because my OS is not "genuine". This being the case, is it possible for me to obtain a genuine Windows Certificate of Authenticity code and use it? I have another de-commissioned laptop that once ran XP Pro with the COA, the factory COA decal is still on it. The hardware specs for the deceased laptop and the desktop in question are very similar (Intel P4 2.40GHz, 2.0GB RAM, 80GB HDD, incl all the usual CD/DVD-RW drives, etc)

So the million dollar question is: Can I somehow transfer the COA code from the dead PC to the living PC and make the desktop "genuine"? I have seen "COA codes" sold on Craigslist and Kijiji, claiming to allow unlicensed PC to register with Windows and get all the security updates, etc. If this is possible, can I do the same for my bastard desktop from the remains of the dead laptop? How do I even go about this? I have no idea what the first step would be.

Any suggestion is appreciated. Cheers.

 

[shakenbake]

To all the PC techies out there.

One of my home desktop is running with an unlicensed copy of Windows XP Professional, updated with SP2. Obviously this means I'm forever stuck with all the stuff that Windows won't let me further update because my OS is not "genuine". This being the case, is it possible for me to obtain a genuine Windows Certificate of Authenticity code and use it? I have another de-commissioned laptop that once ran XP Pro with the COA, the factory COA decal is still on it. The hardware specs for the deceased laptop and the desktop in question are very similar (Intel P4 2.40GHz, 2.0GB RAM, 80GB HDD, incl all the usual CD/DVD-RW drives, etc)

So the million dollar question is: Can I somehow transfer the COA code from the dead PC to the living PC and make the desktop "genuine"? I have seen "COA codes" sold on Craigslist and Kijiji, claiming to allow unlicensed PC to register with Windows and get all the security updates, etc. If this is possible, can I do the same for my bastard desktop from the remains of the dead laptop? How do I even go about this? I have no idea what the first step would be.

Any suggestion is appreciated. Cheers.

I was once told by some one who was in the same predicament that all you would have to do is to call Micro$oft support, explain the dead PC, and they might look after you if you can get them the proof that they require. And, it might be no charge.

 

[SilentLeviathan]

Assuming it's the version of Windows that came with the laptop, and that's not an OEM version on your desktop, no, you can't. Retail versions of Windows won't accept OEM activation codes. Nevermind calling MS to activate them, the copy won't even let you type the code in. You'll just get an "invalid activation code, please reenter" error.

You could try installing the copy of Windows from your laptop (assuming you have an original disc) but chances are it's locked to that laptop.

Just look around on CraigsList people sell retail and OEM copies with the activation code for like $20.

 

[PDSAjax]

This depends on the license you have for the decommissioned laptop. If the COA is a sticker on the machine, it is probably an OEM license, if it is you are SOL.

The only sort of license that M$ allow to be transferred from a dead machine to a new machine is the FPP (Full Packaged Product) license - if you went to a store and bought Windows in a box. The OEM license that is preinstalled by a manufacturer is non transferrable and dies with the machine that it was originally activated on.

The people selling COA codes on Kiji, Craigslist etc are either selling counterfeit codes that will eventually stop working, or they may be selling OEM software that as part of its license requirement has to be sold with applicable hardware (Motherborad, CPU etc). Admittedly this second option will work, though it is in breach of M$ license terms, and if you need support you are again SOL, as with the OEM license the support lies with the manufacturer that supplied the software, not M$.

Hope this helps.....

 

[onehunglow]

Go to the site "The Software Patch". They have service pack 3 and additional updates, patches etc. Download them and install on your computer. Sometimes an update requires you to go straight to Microsoft like the "NetFramework" update. You just say "No".

Most security updates are available here along with updates for other programs like Office etc.

 

[Larry_Fyne]

Here's a novel idea.....

Get off your cheap ass and go buy a legit copy.

Jeeezz

 

[SilentLeviathan]

Here's a novel idea.....

Get off your cheap ass and go buy a legit copy.

Jeeezz

I ended up doing this. For an OS I figured it wasn't worth the hassle. I bought Vista and I'll buy 7.