Hi all, I'll keep this short for both our sakes: 1- Installed legit copy of XP pro 2- Lost disc and license, as a result never reinstalled 3- 6-7 years later, it finally won't boot up 4- Got Linux on the other hard drive, works fine 5- Downloaded and installed 'naughty' copy of XP pro Now I have two installs of XP on the same hard drive, one which wont boot and one which will: but presumably the one that will is going to need activation at some point. What I'd love to hear at this point is: 1- Dont worry, you can do a completely clean install of XP and because you activated it once already, it will remember, because Microsoft aren't all baby-eaters and meth heads. OR 2- Well, its a bit more complicated, but some freeware genius has made a great bit of software that will find your license, even on an unbootable drive. OR 3- You're stuffed mate. Other stuff: -I can still access all my files, apps and games though none of them appear to be installed. -From Linux I can reach all files on both hard drives, XP hasn't found the Linux hard drive. Well, fire away, any suggestions are much appreciated.
Google for and download/install Magicjellybean, ignoring any virus warnings as they are false positives. Run it from the working XP install and use the inbuilt feature to extract the serial number from the non-working install. When you have your legit key back use Magicjellybean to change the serial number on your "dodgy" XP to the legit one or, better still, a clean install.
I've used Magicjellybean for this reason a few times and not just with installs of windows so I'd recommend trying this. If you have any proof of any kind (maybe the serial you've extracted with Magicjellybean) you could try getting M$ to send you a replacement disc. I've heard it done before, you've just got to not sound like a pirating scoundrel and convince them you are legit (easier said than done I know)
