Is it possible to change my XP Product Key?

[pyro262]

My hard drive crashed a couple months ago, but after I bought a new hard
drive I couldn't find my restore disks, so I found an old Windows XP Pro disk
and used that instead. When I got to part where I was told to input the
product key, I tried to use the product key from the Microsft label on my
computer (which is also XP Pro), but it would not accept it. Eventually I
used the product key from the "old Windows XP Pro disk" and it continued the
install. Now I can't update to SP2, or even IE7. I used the regedit and
went to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
and changed a digit in the OOBETimer to deactivate Windows. Then I clicked
start, run, typed
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a, and clicked on Change Product
key. Unfortunately I'm getting "Incorrect Product key," which has brought me
here with two questions. Is there a way to change my product key without
having to buy and then reinstalling XP? Is my best option to call Microsoft,
pay the $59 support fee and hope thats all I will be charged? Thanks for
your time and have a good week.

 

[Rock]

My hard drive crashed a couple months ago, but after I bought a new hard
drive I couldn't find my restore disks, so I found an old Windows XP Pro
disk
and used that instead. When I got to part where I was told to input the
product key, I tried to use the product key from the Microsft label on my
computer (which is also XP Pro), but it would not accept it. Eventually I
used the product key from the "old Windows XP Pro disk" and it continued
the
install. Now I can't update to SP2, or even IE7. I used the regedit and
went to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
and changed a digit in the OOBETimer to deactivate Windows. Then I
clicked
start, run, typed
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a, and clicked on Change Product
key. Unfortunately I'm getting "Incorrect Product key," which has brought
me
here with two questions. Is there a way to change my product key without
having to buy and then reinstalling XP? Is my best option to call
Microsoft,
pay the $59 support fee and hope thats all I will be charged? Thanks for
your time and have a good week.

Product keys are tied to the type of XP CD used. The key that is on the
sticker on your system is probably an OEM key. That will only work with an
OEM version CD. You didn't say what type of CD you used, retail perhaps?
Contact the PC manufacturer to get the proper installation CD for your
system.

 

[PaulM]

Go here and download Keyupdatetool_enu.exe

http://www.paulsxp.com/downloads.html

The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for users
attempting to change their current non-genuine Product Key to a genuine COA
sticker or genuine Product Key - all without a reinstall! XP ONLY!

 

[pyro262]

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Not only did it work, it was easy and took
less than five minutes to download, run, input my product key, and restart my
computer. When it restarted there was a window that said product key update
was successful, and I still didn't believe it, untill I went to update my
windows xp online and it worked....Thanks once again, and take the rest of
the week off. =)

 

[PaulM]

You are Welcome.

 

[Nate Grossman]

Man, I have downloaded the Keyupdate... and ran it. I typed my (current)
product key (the one which is asked) but did not workd out. It says it
could not be complete, because the product key entered 'matches' the one
that is in use. Of course!

What do I do? Enter another product key?

That's what it's FOR, doofus.

Where do I get one?

WHY are you playing around with Keyupdate?

 

[HeyBub]

Man, I have downloaded the Keyupdate... and ran it. I typed my
(current) product key (the one which is asked) but did not workd out.
It says it could not be complete, because the product key entered
'matches' the one that is in use. Of course!

What do I do? Enter another product key? Where do I get one?

Tnx in advance.

Easy. You buy another copy of XP.