Windows XP - Service Packs?

[Raven]

So I'm about to do a fresh install of XP (Prof. Edition) after purchasing a lot of new hardware.
I'm currently running a legit CD key, but I have no idea where the key is (I've recently moved and my XP cd is loose in a cd wallet) and it'll take me a while to find it. I could wait until I do find it, I guess, but I'd really like to start using my new PC right away - I'm lazy too.

So for anyone who's using a dodgy key for XP, what's the best combination of Service Packs to use before you start getting "This copy of Windows is not genuine" and all that crap? Don't the SPs offer critical security upgrades? I've heard of users only installing SP1 and being done with it. What about automatic updates, do you turn that on or off? Personally I have it on because my XP is legit, but that's not everyone.

Is it simply a matter of protecting your PC via firewalls and other security devices rather than installing SPs? Or am I way off the track here?

Please post your combination of installs.

[Board of Command]

Install Service Pack 2, then install this "update" called KB905474. That gets rid of the Genuine Advantage crap.

But if you just want to use your old legit key, there are programs out there that can read the key off your current operating system.

[Apraxhren]

You are way off the track, if you are doing a fresh install you will have 30 days to active your copy of windows before it becomes unusable. Hopefully you can find your CD key within that time if not I have had great experiences with the Windows Support people. The service packs have no bearing on whether or not you are asked to activate Windows, SP1 contained several upgrades such as USB 2.0, support for larger hard drives, and the ability to set default programs. SP2 was larger and contained most notably the Windows Firewall, Bluetooth support, improved Wi-Fi support and a rather large list of bug and security fixes.

The only way I am aware of avoiding to active Windows is too download a version with it removed off of a p2p system then you have to worry about how much you trust the person who created it.

@Boc Windows Genuine Advantage is not the same as the initial activtion procedure.

[BioAlien]

well if you have legetly bought your Windows at a store, and made a Upgrade in your computer hardware. just enter your CD key and it will work fine.

if they say your CD key in invalid (or already being used to another hardware) then just call to the number they give. they will give you a hella long number. All you gotta do is write it in and, voila, your windows is activated.

(that what i do everytime i format my comp...)

[Board of Command]

Download this Windows XP

Install KB905474

Voila, everything works.

[Carnage]

The methods above are fine. I personally like downloading a corperate edition cd and stealing the key from my school . Then I never have to worry about this shit again >_>
Atleast until I start caring about Vista, which wont happen again any time soon

[Raven]

Thanks for the advice guys, but I my installation of Windows might be held off for a little while.

[Yukimura]

I Have a problem in a slightly different vein...I just installed Service Pack 2 on an old laptop that I had lying around, and now windows can't boot (not even in safe mode). The main symptom I'm having is the Safe Mode boot menu stops at loading something called mup.sys
From what I've managed to gather online this is the last file windows messes with before it actually runs so it may not be the culprit. If anyone knows anything about this type pf problem I'd apprecitate any help.

[Degozaru Yo]

I really can't recommend SP2.

SP1 is kinda needed for example big'ish HD-support but SP2 kinda tend's to fook thing's up. :F

That's what I and several friends have experienced.

Atm, I'm running on a legit XP but it gives me ton's more head-aches than a non-legit I used to run... -.-

[Board of Command]

An operating system is only as good as the person using it. Treat it nicely and it'll be nice to you in return.

[Degozaru Yo]

An operating system is only as good as the person using it. Treat it nicely and it'll be nice to you in return.

Now that's something you can't believe yourself even !

[Board of Command]

Now that's something you can't believe yourself even !

Someone explain?

[Degozaru Yo]

Someone explain?

Forget you ever even saw me here. ;>

[12345p]

but I have no idea where the key is

Found this little jem embedded in a slashdot.org comment awhile back. Produkey will not only be able to recover the lost key for XP, but for various versions of Office as well and SQL server. I've found it quite useful on various occasions, and hope it helps someone else too.

Cheers!