Changing CD-Key

[BlackCoffee]

Hey Folks,

I have installed Windows XP Home Edition on 2 Pc's using the same CD-Key.

On my main box (which I installed first) I did activate the CD-key.

On the second box (which installed next) I haven't activated it yet, I did this because I know I am buying another OEM Windows Xp Cd.

Therefore, once the new OEM Cd arrives, is there away in the Registry to change the CDKEY and put the new one in?

THanks mates.

[OldPueblo]

I believe in the activation window you can choose telephone and then type in a new key, correct me if I'm wrong. There is a utility out that will make it easy (search on Magic Jellybean), but the people that have volume license versions of XP generally use it because they dont have that change key activation option.

[Direwolf20]

You can also look into sysprep. One of the steps in sysprep is to reenter your CD key.

[TheCzar]

do a search on google for that...they are out there, but you will probably have to get it off some warez site, but its cool since you will be using it for legit purposes...

[BlackCoffee]

do a search on google for that...they are out there, but you will probably have to get it off some warez site, but its cool since you will be using it for legit purposes...

Thanks fellas, HardForum is the best. :D

[Direwolf20]

It sure is :D

[SJConsultant]

Therefore, once the new OEM Cd arrives, is there away in the Registry to change the CDKEY and put the new one in?

How to change the product key at time of activation (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&Product=winxp)

[BlackCoffee]

How to change the product key at time of activation (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&Product=winxp)


HEHE ; thanks m8

[MOC]

# Click Start, and then click Run.
# In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
# In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
# In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
# Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
# Click Start, and then click Run.
# In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
# Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
# Click Change Product key.
# 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.
# Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:

Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
# Click OK.
# Install SP1 for Windows XP.

If you cannot restart Windows after you install SP1, press F8 when you restart the computer, select Last Known Good Configuration, and then repeat this procedure.

[hulksterjoe]

Just to make sure. if the first cd that you used wasnt an oem but acorporate /retail/volume/recovery then the stuff above wont work but straight oem for oem will be fine with what was mentioned before

[truffle00]

Thanks fellas, HardForum is the best. :D

Tapioca pudding is the best...I think I'll go have some now.

[ameoba]

I know you can't use OEM keys on retail copies to install...

but can you use an OEM key after installation?