Windows xp query

A few months ago we had a virus on the main computer (my parents computer) this computer is very old and it had windows xp media centre edition on it, when we went to reformat (as we tried everything to get rid of the virus and nothing worked) I could not find the original xp cd to reinstall so ended up downloading and installing one from here, but it was windows xp professional so did not use the product key from the computer so we have just been ignoring the validation thing that comes up every morning, but now my dad wants to take the computer to pc world for a health check up thing which is included with his insurance he pays them, but how big a deal would it be if they saw the windows validation screen come up? Also would the product key for media centre edition work on professional edition?
I have since found the correct (I think) xp disc so maybe it would be wiser to reinstall with the correct version of windows and use the product key that came with the comp, but can I do that without having to reformat as I really don’t have the time or the energy to back up and reformat ?
Thanks
Answer #1
Which XP was it Pro or Home?
Answer #2
The version that was on the computer originally was home edition (media centre) but the version I put on there was xp pro
Answer #3
Oh ok..What you need is “Windows XP Home Media Center Edition-OEM”
If you install that version with your legit key you will be able to activate it online no problem…
Answer #4
The only windows xp disc I can find just says Windows XP home edition, it does not says media centre edition but I am sure that is the one that came with the computer
Answer #5
As long as it’s OEM…Give it a go..
Answer #6
OK thanks