Installing new Windows XP without losing data

[N1sh]

I've recently noticed that the Windows Xp's installed at work are actually pirate copies which were installed by the previous I.T guys a few years ago.

So we've purchased legit DSP licences and i'm ready to install.

Would there be an easier way to install the legit Windows and keeping the respective data (such as software, drivers, settings and etc), rather than do a fresh format and install on each pc?


Any help would be most appriciated

 

[PostmanPot]

Yes there is. Windows Repair Installation.

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair1.htm

Backup in case though, it's always advisable.

 

[fxit_man]

surely you could just change the product key?

 

[PostmanPot]

surely you could just change the product key?

Oh, that too, lol. I went a little off track.

 

[fxit_man]

Oh, that too, lol. I went a little off track.

 

[N1sh]

surely you could just change the product key?

Thank you, this option seems simple enough, will the Xp be legal once I have entered the new product key?

 

[boramk]

Yes

 

[fxit_man]

Yes

what he said

 

[Sackboy]

Make sure it's XP and not XP pro which is a different license.

 

[N1sh]

Make sure it's XP and not XP pro which is a different license.

The PC has Ms Xp pro and I bought the latest XP pro sp3, so it should be fine

 

[Grouter]

There's a genuine ms version to change keys if you prefer...

 

[Conradl]

Changing the key should work as long as it was built using the correct CD, i.e. DSP media and not an open version....