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Changing product key in XP
Name: wvkeith Date: January 7, 2008 at 09:21:58 Pacific OS: Windows XP SP2 CPU/Ram: 3.0/2GB
Comment:
I purchased 2 OEM windows xp disks and installed on two of my computers. I inadvertently put the same product key in both computers . How do I change the product key on one of the computers without re-installing? I've seen programs to do this but don't know if they are any good or are just going to put malware on my computer.
Name: XpUser4Real Date: January 7, 2008 at 11:00:00 Pacific
Reply:
wvkeith, are you saying that one will not register for activation with MS and the other does? If that is the case, just call MS activation and let them know, they should assign a new number for you when you give them the 2nd product number.
Name: OtheHill Date: January 7, 2008 at 11:55:03 Pacific
Reply:
Easier to change via the instructions in the article then register.
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Response Number 4
Name: wvkeith Date: January 7, 2008 at 14:11:01 Pacific
Reply:
Thanks, that's just the info I needed. I haven't tried to activate it yet because I know the key is the wrong one. I'll just go through the steps in the article and put the proper key in.
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Response Number 5
Name: Michael J (by mjdamato) Date: January 7, 2008 at 15:06:18 Pacific
Reply:
Or use the Magic JellyBean Keyfinder (free, small download). It takes just a second and no registry editing.
Name: per Date: January 7, 2008 at 15:24:08 Pacific
Reply:
Jelly bean won't change it only find it.
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Response Number 7
Name: worldlibrary Date: January 7, 2008 at 17:52:21 Pacific
Reply:
support.microsoft.com/kb/328874 -
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Response Number 8
Name: Michael J (by mjdamato) Date: January 7, 2008 at 20:10:59 Pacific
Reply:
"Jelly bean won't change it only find it."
Yes, it does allow you to change it. In fact if you were to look on the page I linked to it states "This version is a quick bug fix to remedy the broken "Change Windows Key" in Windows XP."
And on the FAQ page: "The Keyfinder only supports changing the keys in Windows 95, 98, ME, and XP. Windows 2000, NT, and Server 2003 aren't supported"
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