Volume Liscensing Key

[aeroSPACE_engineer]

Due to an oversight, my PC has a Volume Liscensing Key, that will not allow me to load any of the new stuff and it is just beginning to bug me.
I have looked into it before and the cost outweighed the benefits. Now, not so. My question is, if I just by a copy of Windows XP Pro with a genuine Liscence... the kind that comes in it's box... will my formerly VLK version of Windows accept the new licence and will I be able to continue as if I always had a 'genuine licence'. Or would I have to completely re-install the new copy of Windows from scratch?

Please only answer if you REALLY know, and please tell me how to simply re-enter the new key if that is possible.

[Bs|Archaon]

You will need to reinstall. The VLM versions are slightly different, the most notable thing being that it doesn't have the activation system. But no, a Pro OEM/Retail/Upgrade key won't work with a VLM installation.

But to be honest, the only reason a VLM version of Windows won't take new stuff like IE7 and WMP11 that require genuine validation is if it...isn't genuine. Some oversight...

[aeroSPACE_engineer]

It is definitely genuine... though I have no connection with the company that owns the VLK... and so I shouldn't be allowed to use it. The oversight was that it didn't occur to anyone that in cannibalising a hard-drive, they ought to swap for a non-VLM Windows copy. Microsoft used to not let me download things because I had a VLK... that was the only reason it gave, then when WGA came along, it just stops me installing anything along the lines of messenger, media player, IE7 etc.

If I have to completely re-install, sod it, it's Microsofts problem for putting such a barrier in my way and my irritation in the meantime. When I get a new PC... probably in about 2/3 years time, then I'll get either Vista or switch to Linux.

All Microsoft.com's talk of buying a genuine copy, there is soooo much data on this PC that I would need to mess around with were I to re-install I am not going to bother.

[C38368]

M$ blocks known VLKs that make it into the wild. WGA has recently started whacking these and forcing you into a situation where you had to activate, but couldn't because the VLK was blacklisted. It's really cute...

The short answer to your question is: maybe not, but more than likely.
There are three different versions of XP Pro: Corp, OEM and Retail. AFAIK all have their own unique key (hashes?). If your "oversighted" copy of XP happens to be OEM or Retail, and you buy that version, the new key might work. I don't think it will otherwise, which forces a reinstallation (or at least a repair--not sure if that's possible or not).

So there you have it.

And since I don't think M$ leases VLKs, I bet know know where this copy really came from

[marvinmatthew]

What does VLK stand for?

[Rookie]

Volume License Key, otherwise known as the Product Key.

It's those 5 blocks of 5 characters you're prompted to enter every time you install XP.

[Bs|Archaon]

Originally Posted by C38368

There are three different versions of XP Pro: Corp, OEM and Retail. AFAIK all have their own unique key (hashes?).

There's also Upgrade, although quite why you'd buy the upgrade version of XP Pro when you can get an OEM for slightly less, I have no idea. And none of the keys are compatible for a version other than what it's meant for. Or with XP Home/MCE, although that's rather obvious.

Marv, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volume_license_key

Basically it stops them needing hundreds (if not thousands) of seperate product keys. In addition, the corporate edition of XP Pro (which is used with VLKs) doesn't have an activation system. Which makes it extremely popular for...well, for pirates basically. Hence why I hinted at it being dodgy and C gave it a miffed smily.

[aeroSPACE_engineer]

Hey... stop frowning... it probably is the corporate edition... it is NOT a pirated copy of XP, it was built for me by a relative who is the IT Manager for a large Office of a very large company. He salvaged some of the bits from old PCs that were otherwise being thrown out. Because when he put the computer together it worked, it didn't occur to him to install a brand new copy of XP. I mean he wouldn't have done that if he was rebuilding computers for use on site, as the copy of XP would be perfect for them and they own it.
At the time, I didn't have the money or the time or the need to go fixing this issue.
Now that I have the money, it appears to be a lot more hassle than it's worth.

[Bs|Archaon]

Technically, that makes it pirated because you don't have the right to use that licence. And it's your relative's fault, not MS's.

[Rookie]

And on that note I think we've wandered far enough into the realms of illegal software.

Bottom line is that if you want to sort out your crippled copy of XP you'll need to buy a new license and re-install Windows. Fin.