Changing Product Key

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Guest

Is there any simple way to change the Product Key in Windows XP SP2??? I am
imaging from one pc to several. I have plenty of licences, but I don't know
how to change the Key without reloading Windows.
 
rolltidertech said:
Is there any simple way to change the Product Key in Windows XP
SP2??? I am imaging from one pc to several. I have plenty of
licences, but I don't know how to change the Key without reloading
Windows.
Click to expand...

The approved Microsoft way is with sysprep.

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prbc_cai_vnve.asp

http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/Library/c03a5469-ef71-4545-b970-ce2add5e715c1033.mspx

Another problem when deploying an image of XP is duplicate SIDs. If the
computers will ever be on the same network you will run into many weird
problems from duplicate SIDs. There are many 3rd party programs to change
the SID. I don't know of any programs other than from Microsoft to change
the Key. They have a Key Update Tool but as far as I know it is only
available through the Genuine Windows Advantage program to change a
counterfeit key to a legitimate key. If you are using individual keys then
the only way I know of is to use sysprep on the source pc before creating
the image. Depending on what options you use with sysprep when each computer
is booted the first time you will have to enter the key and activate XP. A
unique SID will also be created on first boot.

You would be better off to investigate a volume license combined with a
program like Ghost Walker

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/pfdocs/1999050308324125

or NewSID

http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/NewSid.html


Kerry
 
In
rolltidertech said:
Is there any simple way to change the Product Key in Windows XP
SP2??? I am imaging from one pc to several. I have plenty of
licences, but I don't know how to change the Key without reloading
Windows.
Click to expand...

I need to change my XP Product KEY #18 on the FAQ list
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
logan said:
sure you do....I bet they are all legit.......roflmao.......wanna buy
a bridge.....


I choose Polesoft Lockspam to fight spam, and you?
http://www.polesoft.com/refer.html
Click to expand...

This is actually a very common situation. A company buys a bunch of pc's.
They all come with identical hardware, OEM Windows, and possibly other
software but they want to image them so they all have a common setup. It
makes them much easier to support.

Kerry
 
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