Change license key

[dons]

My windows XP pro partition went unusable (missing
operating system) a couple of months ago, and I had to do
an "emergency" reinstall from the only XP disk I had,
which was a copied retail version. The original OEM
version was unavailable to me at the time. It took 2-3
days to get applications & tools reinstalled, and now I'm
stuck with a bad license and unable to install service
packs or security patches.

Is there any way to get a valid license without a
complete re-install? I won't spend another 2-3 days
reinstalling apps.

What I would like to do is buy a new full XP version
($315 at 4sure.com), invalidate the key via the oobetimer
registry entry modification, then use msoobe.exe to
install the new license.

Will this give me a valid version without the 2-3 day re-
install or losing my personal settings?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

That fix you refer will not work unless old and new are identical.
OEM and retail are different
Volume license is different still
As well as many other different versions.
You will most likely need to perform a Repair Installation using the
new CD and key:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm