Changing your XP Product Key

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     If you use a "leaked" (not a legally purchased) product key for your computer, you may not be able to install Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) or automatically obtain updates from the Windows Update Web site.  Because you are not able to get updates, your computer is very vulnerable while connected to the internet, and can easily pick up malicious viruses’ and trojans.


Use the Activation Wizard

     Warning: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


     Note: Microsoft recommends that you run System Restore to create a new restore point before you follow these steps. For information about how to create a restore point by using System Restore, see the "To Create a Restore Point" help topic in Help and Support.

1.	Click Start, and then click Run.
2.	In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3.	In the left pane, locate and then navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
4.	In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
5.	Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
6.	Click Start, and then click Run.
7.	In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK. %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
8.	Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
9.	Click Change Product key.
10.	Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update. If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
11.	Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message: Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
12.	Click OK.

 

Your Windows XP key should now be changed!