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Thread ID: 85108 2007-11-29 23:22:00 Changing Product Key bk T (215) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
616615 2007-11-29 23:22:00 Bought a used computer and found that it has pirated XP installed. Now, I've bought my new original copy of XP Home. How do I change the Product key so as to make it legal? I don't want to reinstall the OS as it is too troublesome and time consuming.

Can it be done?
bk T (215)
616616 2007-11-29 23:27:00 It can be changed, but it depends what version of XP is installed.

If its XP Pro then no. An XP Home key wont work on it, I think.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
616617 2007-11-29 23:35:00 yep - can be done, alter the reg as per This article (articles.techrepublic.com.com) and it should ask you to enter the legit key.

One easier way if it works is to download magicaljelly Bean (www.magicaljellybean.com) I think it has the option to change the key also , but sometimes it doesn't work - worth a try though.
wainuitech (129)
616618 2007-11-30 02:37:00 if that dont work.......run a 'repair install'......only takes about 40mins drcspy (146)
616619 2007-11-30 08:18:00 Tried the above, still cannot get it activated. Phoned Microsoft in India but was told to contact MS NZ during normal office hours.

Went to MS Windows Update site performed updates as what I did for other machines and it says that this is not a genuine Windows and ask me to key in a valid number (or something to that effect). I then entered the set of keys I got from the original copy of XP; within seconds, I was guided to the Windows Updates and able to download and update my copy of XP.

Can I assume that my copy of XP has been "activated"?
bk T (215)
616620 2007-11-30 08:22:00 Go to the activation option in the menu.

See what it says.

No, if you can download something from Windowsupdate

Or something like this (www.microsoft.com)

It means the key is valid, it doesnt mean XP has been activated

But in a few days if it hasnt been activated, it should tell you the days remaining in the taskbar.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
616621 2007-11-30 08:27:00 Go to the activation option in the menu.

See what it says.

No, if you can download something from Windowsupdate

Or something like this (www.microsoft.com)

It means the key is valid, it doesnt mean XP has been activated

But in a few days if it hasnt been activated, it should tell you the days remaining in the taskbar.

Where is the "Activation Menu" :o
bk T (215)
616622 2007-11-30 08:29:00 Under start / all programs somewhere. In the menu.

I deleted mine lol
Speedy Gonzales (78)
616623 2007-11-30 08:38:00 You can check whether it has been activated by copying and pasting the line below into Start > Run

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
Jen (38)
616624 2007-11-30 09:13:00 Checked as suggested by Jen and it says that "It has been Activated" :)

Thank you all
bk T (215)
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