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Problem:
I have a workstation running on a valid XP Professional retail license key and I need to change it to our volume license key. (Please no replies about why I need to change it...only offer tech help.)
These Micro$oft instructions will not work and their tech support is clueless and points fingers to different departments:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874
I follow the above instructions, edit the registry, then execute "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a"
But it tells me Windows is already active and does not give the option to change the key to a new product key.Please help....Microsoft is no help on the product they make money off of.
Thanks.
- MATT
Hey per this OP is asking about converting legitimate retail XP Pro key to XP VLK (no key). I guess reinstall is in order.
i_XpUser
0 
I did the google the problem before posting an they all pointed back to the method Microsoft suggested...which doesn't work in this instance.
Also, I can't reinstall because the DELL pc came with software that can only be reinstalled by using the restore CD. Thus a fresh install from the XP volume license produce this problem.
I didn't post this delima just for the fun of it, this is a real problem without workaround that won't produce additional challenges. I can't believe this scenerio is happening to someone for the first time. There has to be a better way to do this.
MATT
0
XpUser,
Thank you. I really thought that as well. Is a reinstall really the only option? What about an option using Sysprep?
- MATT
0
You can try sysprep but bear in mind that Dell machines will require drivers unique to the model in order for windows to work.
i_XpUser
0
Good catch XpUser. I didn't realize he was trying to change the key of a Dell proprietary system. 2 different animals.
0
"These Micro$oft instructions will not work ..."
Why did you even try that? It says:
"Warning The steps in the article are effective only on Volume License media. If you try these steps on OEM media or on retail media, you will not change the product key."Try this.
If both are XP Pro versions, go here (or elsewhere) and get this version or newer of keyfinder:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/key...You can change the product key with that program. If it is not acceptable, it will tell you so, and you will have to try something else.
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