I have aquired a copy of XP Pro, and it installed without asking for a Product Key (later i checked the disk and found winnt.sif with the product key in it). By the way, this copy was thrown away, so it was found by me in the garbage. My problem is that the product key that was used for install cannot be used to activate it - I assume because it was activated by whoever installed this OS with this key. I have tried to change the key to a different one, and have used a program to generate keys and test them against the install. But I still can't change the key to activate. I also have found the files that I believe are for the corporate edition on this disk, but the setupp.ini was setup for oem. If I change the setupp.ini to corporate, and take out the winnt.sif, will it install without having to activate? I am not sure if I changed the setup.ini correctly for corporate. Again, this copy was found in the trash, an it seems a waste to just snap the disk and give up. Thanks!

I have aquired a copy of XP Pro, and it installed without asking for a Product Key (later i checked the disk and found winnt.sif with the product key in it). By the way, this copy was thrown away, so it was found by me in the garbage. My problem is that the product key that was used for install cannot be used to activate it - I assume because it was activated by whoever installed this OS with this key. I have tried to change the key to a different one, and have used a program to generate keys and test them against the install. But I still can't change the key to activate. I also have found the files that I believe are for the corporate edition on this disk, but the setupp.ini was setup for oem. If I change the setupp.ini to corporate, and take out the winnt.sif, will it install without having to activate? I am not sure if I changed the setup.ini correctly for corporate. Again, this copy was found in the trash, an it seems a waste to just snap the disk and give up. Thanks!

Nice story

I'm not entirely sure you'll find help for this here, as the legality of the copy of XP you have is in question:

I have tried to change the key to a different one, and have used a program to generate keys and test them against the install

I also have found the files that I believe are for the corporate edition on this disk, but the setupp.ini was setup for oem. If I change the setupp.ini to corporate, and take out the winnt.sif, will it install without having to activate?

It was likely an OEM copy of Windows XP, meaning it was sold installed on someone's PC. The Winnt.sif file being prepopulated on a minted CD would say that this is the case, as no Retail, channel OEM, or Corporate CD's come with a prepopulated Winnt.sif file. Also, since this is an OEM version of Windows, without the COA sticker that came with the CD, usage of that CD or CD key on another machine is technically illegal (at least in the USA). As far as the activation, the OS may still be installed and activated on someone's home PC. I understand it's just a salvage project, but I'd say manipulating the CD to be a corporate version goes beyond the grey area and into illegal - corporate versions require a corporate license.

So to answer your questions - a ) yes you can physically change the setupp.ini file, b ) yes it would work without asking for activation, and c ) no it is not legal to do so.

Edited December 19, 200520 yr by cluberti

OK, thanks for the quick response. I suppose I'll just put it away and give up. I guess I knew it was illegal, but it was just so tempting, finding it in the trash for free and all. Thanks again.

Not a problem. We're a pretty clean-cut and ethical bunch here, who frown on piracy and theft of any kind (but especially electronic). While yours wasn't theft per-se, you have to understand that modifying the source to be a VLK version of XP and using a keygen to get a key can make it look bad - because technically, it isn't legal.

Edited December 19, 200520 yr by cluberti

OK, sorry for setting off all of your alarms. Just excited about getting a free copy of XP Pro. Thanks again.

call microsoft and ask them why your "keygen" isnt working, im sure you will get a fast reply from them, lol, j/k

Problem solved... topic closed.