I'm trying to change my ways with regards to file sharing, I'm
purchasing all my music and software legally now, however i am stuck
when it comes to windows.  This has been precipitated by SP2, I'm
ready to buy a copy of XP pro so that i can continue getting windows
updates, but at this time, i can't afford the time of reinstalling all
my software.  Is there a way of "legitimizing" my ill gotten copy of
windows XP pro by purchasing a new copy of xp pro and somehow swapping
the cd keys without having to re-install windows, or do anything else
that might clear out my registry or Is this my punishment for not
buying windows in the first place?

There is a program that swaps cd-keys out as part of an Activation crack.
I would recomend finding it on www.astalavista.com.  Congrats on your noble
cause.  I embarked on a similiar feat and found GNU licensed software to replace
my not-so-GNU-copyrighted software.  (open office == office 2000, etc)

This may or may not work, depending on the type of cd key you have.
Step 1:
Go to Start> Run> type in regedit. Navigate to:
HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Cu
rrent Version\WPAEvents. Right click on OOBETimer and select 'Modify
Binary Data.' *Change at least one of the values (just delete one or
two of them, see pics for details) and close the Registry Editor.
*note: It's good practice to export any keys/values you modify in your
registry before actually doing it in case you muck something up and
need to put it back. You can do this by right clicking on the folder
WPAEvents and selecting "Export." Just save the yourname.reg file
somewhere handy.

Step 2:
Go to Start> Run> type in: %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a 
Select the second option, "Yes, I want to telephone..." and then click
next. In the next window click on the Change Product key button. Type
in your new product key (Corporate Only). This will take you back to
the previous window, just exit out and reboot your system.

thelameduck-ga:

The following is from Microsoft on the subject:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874  (on
how to change the product Key)

and to a lesser extent
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;326904

--
I am not an official GA researcher.

thelameduck-ga:

I am glad it worked and thank you for the kind words.  Please consider
donating the amount to your favorite charity.  If you don't have one,
may I suggest the EFF ( http://www.eff.org/ ) or the FSF (
http://www.gnu.org/ ).

Best regards.

--
I am not an official GA researcher.

I'm happy to, $15 to EFF it is! thanks again to everyone.