windows not activated

Hi a friend gave me her computer to clean up and upgrade from windows home
SP1 to SP2 and install all the latest security downloads etc., as I have
broadband. I installed SP2 OK then connected to the Microsoft update site.
And got the message that windows was not activated and it would not let me
download any updates. I got the CD key from her and tried to activate over
the net but got the message invalid CD Key. Tried the phone method and got a
bloke from India who was either deaf or daft as I had to repeat each number
many times. I was told to contact the computer manufacturer. I got another
CD Key and again it would not activate. Bloke in shop (local computer shop)
says the copy of Windows XP Home is legit as well as the CD Key, and got
quite annoyed. So how come her computer has been running Windows XP home for
the past 18 months without being activated and allowing SP2 to be installed?
I know a couple of people who had the pirate version of XP Pro and they have
been unable to upgrade to SP2 so they don't bother. Does she have a dodgy
version of XP Home or is there a version that does not need activated but
will allow SP2 to be installed? Any thoughts on her/my problem.

Thanks Ron


.

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