Changing Windows XP SP3 Product key

Mike UK · 2 Dec 2009 at 14:08

Anyone know of any programs to change the product key?

I have tried Microsofts own but it fails due to an unknown error (Possibly because Windows is already registered with a legal product key?)

Cheers

Mike

Nymins · 2 Dec 2009 at 15:11

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to change it if it has a legit one on it?

mrk · 2 Dec 2009 at 15:25

Just phone the number to activate by telephone, option 1 at the end and get your new code...

cokecan · 2 Dec 2009 at 15:25

I think you just need to run the XP activation again and there should be a change product key option somewhere (under telephone a representative maybe?)

I think you need to run c:\windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

EDIT: infact here seems you just need to alter a registry value so you can run the activation wizard again

Mike UK · 2 Dec 2009 at 17:52

Nymins said:
Just out of curiosity, why do you want to change it if it has a legit one on it?

10 Identical computers to set up and each has a different COA

I set up and imaged one so I would only need to fully set up one machine.

Also thanks to Microsofts site this worked to de-activate and re activate using a different key

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;312295

Thanks for the advice.

Michael