Stupid Windows SP2 question.

[Luigibuddy]

Since I am not a big fan of Microsoft I won't lie, my Windows XP Pro isn't legit.
My question is simple, will installing Service Pack 2 make Windows XP Pro ask me for a legit product key? If I am not mistaken this isn't the case with Pro, but I just want to make sure.

[CHFlagg]

Our copies are legit, but it didn't ask for any keys. The main thing is to make sure that you don't have ANY adware or spyware in your machine.

[BloodBuster]

Since I am not a big fan of Microsoft I won't lie, my Windows XP Pro isn't legit.
My question is simple, will installing Service Pack 2 make Windows XP Pro ask me for a legit product key? If I am not mistaken this isn't the case with Pro, but I just want to make sure.

I think that Microsoft will be restricting the amount of free programs you can download from their site if you are unable to validate your copy of Windows, apart from trying to force users to install SP2. The main thing about SP2 is that it introduces loads of security features. I'm not sure if it will ask you for a product key, as all the WinXP systems I have updated with SP2 have all been legit, and I have never been asked for a product key. However, the fact that MS still asks you to validate your copy of XP even if SP2 is installed suggests that SP2 does not require you to validate your copy.

Have you thought about running Linux? I have never even seen Linux, but there is a wealth of information out there you can access to help you get started. There are also free alternatives to most high-end applications actually. Things like OpenOffice.Org which can handle genuine MS-Office documents (except password protected ones), image editing software like The Gimp, free antivirus, free firewalls, etc etc

[Luigibuddy]

I think that Microsoft will be restricting the amount of free programs you can download from their site if you are unable to validate your copy of Windows, apart from trying to force users to install SP2. The main thing about SP2 is that it introduces loads of security features. I'm not sure if it will ask you for a product key, as all the WinXP systems I have updated with SP2 have all been legit, and I have never been asked for a product key. However, the fact that MS still asks you to validate your copy of XP even if SP2 is installed suggests that SP2 does not require you to validate your copy.

Have you thought about running Linux? I have never even seen Linux, but there is a wealth of information out there you can access to help you get started. There are also free alternatives to most high-end applications actually. Things like OpenOffice.Org which can handle genuine MS-Office documents (except password protected ones), image editing software like The Gimp, free antivirus, free firewalls, etc etc

The only reason I am installing Service Pack 2 is because it's the only way for me to install Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition Beta.

Edit: Installed, didn't ask for anything. Time to finally compile my Half-Life 2 mod.

[Bjossi]

Hmm, I don´t have a legit WinXP either, and every Windows update works fine for me.

[HARLEY]

I think MS is letting people keep and use illegitimate copy's of XP as long as you have at least SP1 and have auto-updates turned on.... :cool:

Wish I could find that link, where I read it... :o

[Frag Maniac]

I think MS is letting people keep and use illegitimate copy's of XP as long as you have at least SP1 and have auto-updates turned on.... :cool:...happy so they don't tread on MS?:D

BTW Luigibuddy, is Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition Beta something that can be used for video editing?

[kalme]

The only reason I am installing Service Pack 2 is because it's the only way for me to install Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition Beta.
Service Pack 2 doesn't, but Visual Studio 2005 Express Edition Beta 2 finally will ask for an activation key, else it refuses to run after a while. And no, this can't be used for video editing. Unless of course you're able to program your own video editing application with it :D.

[RichmanRush]

nice link in your sig Luigibuddy.

BC rules and "make love" is hilarious. Can't wait for the screening/signing/Q&A sessions, he's always a blast to see in his element.