Activating a Pirated Windows Copy with a Genuine Key.

[rvg90]

A while a go on an Alienware that came with a genuine copy of W7 i had to re-install but i wasn't able to do that using the recovery disc so i temporarily put a pirated copy of W8.1 Pro 64-bit and now that i bought a genuine copy i'd like to ask if anyone tried to use a legit key on one of those pre-activated copies? is it as simple as changing the key and that's it?

 

[USAFRet]

If your current install is a pirated one, attempting to activate it with a valid license is only a partial fix.

You really, really need to do a full wipe and reinstall. A pirated OS is a primary vector of malware.
Wipe and reinstall.

 

[rvg90]

If your current install is a pirated one, attempting to activate it with a valid license is only a partial fix.

You really, really need to do a full wipe and reinstall. A pirated OS is a primary vector of malware.
Wipe and reinstall.

What do you mean by a partial fix? can you calrify? I don't wanna re install because in a month i'll be upgrading to W10 anyway.

 

[USAFRet]

Partial fix = fixing only part of the problem.
Yes, you will be using a valid license key. But the original pirated OS is still there, with all of its potential (probable) malware.
That needs to be wiped out and blown away.

"I don't wanna re install" = "I don't care about my passwords, accounts, and money"

 

[rvg90]

Partial fix = fixing only part of the problem.
Yes, you will be using a valid license key. But the original pirated OS is still there, with all of its potential (probable) malware.
That needs to be wiped out and blown away.

"I don't wanna re install" = "I don't care about my passwords, accounts, and money"

Been using it for more than a month so if i have that kind of malware i am * already .

Anyway all i needed to know is if the license will work or not and i'll be blowing the whole OS once W10 is out so thanks for the reply .

 

[USAFRet]

Your accounts, your money, your choice.

 

[wi999]

Just fixed mine today. Depending on if it's a program you used, or an iso that was already that way. You uninstall the program/workaround. Make sure it's trial or not genuine and everything is removed. Right click on Computer go to properties, then under activation click Change product key, type in the new legitimate product key. Do the activation, then go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/genuine and click validate now. If you have previously installed updates KB2952664 or KB3035583 uninstall them and reinstall after activation. Done, Windows 10 icon will then appear in system tray.

Again don't try this with pre-activated/enhanced editions. Only legit with 3rd party workaround uninstalled.