How to change the key of windows xp

For more information about obtaining a valid product key, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article You can also directly check the operating system's product ID by right-clicking on My Computer, clicking Properties, and selecting the General tab. The machine's product ID will be located under the Registered To section. If the ID matches either of the two models commonly associated with VLK fraud, you'll need to obtain a valid XP product key before proceeding.

None of the procedures described below will work without a legitimate product key. The script method is outlined in article and is designed to work on Corporate Edition installations that use a VLK and do not require activation. It may work on a Home or Professional installation, but I have not tested this scenario. The script method is the practical solution for changing the product keys on a large number of machines.

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to backup important data before changing a product ID, since an unexpected problem could render the machine unbootable and necessitate a complete reinstallation of Windows. The following instructions involve editing your system registry. Using the Windows Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that require the reinstallation of your operating system and possible loss of data.

TechRepublic does not support problems that arise from editing your registry. Use the Registry Editor and the following directions at your own risk. Change at least one character of this value to either a number from 0 to 9 or to a letter from A to F, then click OK and close the Registry Editor. This renders the current product key invalid and deactivates Windows. Now, it's time to reactivate Windows using your new product key.

Click Start Run and enter the command:. Click Next. This tool will scan your system for any inconsistency or errors. Wait for the scan to finish. Type in the new product key. You might be required to activate your system again. Restart your computer. This will allow the changes to take place. Jarod Smith. If the product key isn't working, there is something wrong with the OS. It also might be due to the fact that Windows XP has stopped being supported. You can try updating Windows.

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By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Buy a genuine product key if yours is not genuine. Helpful 17 Not Helpful 7.

Alternatively rely on the support and specific tools from a 3rd party company that complies with Microsoft policy. Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 5. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. This will not work when the installation source and the product key are representative of varying licenses. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1. Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4. Don't edit anything except what this article tells you to when you open, 'Regedit'. But if you're unsure, a quick way to tell is to install Service Pack 1.

Please contact your system administrator or retailer immediately to obtain a valid Product Key…" You are dealing with a pirated copy of Windows. For more information about obtaining a valid product key, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article The machine's product ID will be located under the Registered To section. None of the procedures described below will work without a legitimate product key.

The script method is outlined in article and is designed to work on Corporate Edition installations that use a VLK and do not require activation.

It may work on a Home or Professional installation, but I have not tested this scenario. The script method is the practical solution for changing the product keys on a large number of machines. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to backup important data before changing a product ID, since an unexpected problem could render the machine unbootable and necessitate a complete reinstallation of Windows.

The following instructions involve editing your system registry. Using the Windows Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that require the reinstallation of your operating system and possible loss of data. TechRepublic does not support problems that arise from editing your registry. Use the Registry Editor and the following directions at your own risk. Change at least one character of this value to either a number from 0 to 9 or to a letter from A to F, then click OK and close the Registry Editor.

This renders the current product key invalid and deactivates Windows.