This information describes how to change your Windows XP product key and replace it with a different one. A product key is needed to install Windows. After Windows XP is installed, the product key can be replaced with another one. This works with all variations of Windows XP.

A product key might need to be changed if the operating system has been installed using a disk which does not require a product key to be entered while the operating system was being installed.

BE SURE THAT YOU ARE USING A VALID PRODUCT KEY AND THAT PRODUCT KEY IS ONLY BEING USED ON ONE (1) COMPUTER (unless it is an Enterprise Key).

1. Click " START "

2. Click " RUN "

3. Type " REGEDIT " and click " OK " or press " Enter "

4. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCALMACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ MICROSOFT \ WINDOWSNT \ CURRENTVERSION \ WPAEVENTS

5. Right click " OOBETIMER " and click " MODIFY "

6. Modify any of the digits (With letters A - G)

7. Click " OK "

8. Close REGEDIT

9. Click " START "

10. Click " RUN "

11. TYPE:

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

OR

c:\windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

12. Click " OK "

13. CLICK " ACTIVATE BY TELEPHONE "

14. CLICK " CHANGE THE PRODUCT KEY "

15. Enter the product key and then click " UPDATE "

16. If you are taken to the previous screen, click " REMIND ME LATER "

17. TYPE:

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

OR

c:\windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

18. Click " ACTIVATE BY INTERNET "

19. Click " OK "

20. Restart the computer

21. Voila! The product key you just entered is now activated! Updates can now be downloaded..