How do I input a LEGIT XP Pro KEY on an existing/installed XP Pro....

[Joseph477]

Here is the deal. I installed Win XP Pro on my computer with a generic key for trial purposes. I just bought a copy of XP Pro. I don't want to format my computer but I can't seem to find a way to input my newly bought CD Key in replace of my old trial key that I was previously using?

Thakns ahead of time.

 

[BW86]

Start by changing one of the values of the Registry Key specified below to any number 0-9 or character A-F. Changing any character will do - it doesn't matter which one you change or what you change it to.

Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents
Name: ODBETimer
Data Type: REG_BINARY
Value: just change one of the entries as mentioned above

What this will do is deactivate the copy of Windows. Now click Start, Run, and copy the following into the Run box:

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe /a

This launches the Product Activation Wizard. From there you can choose an option such as calling a Microsoft representative, and select the Change Product Key option.

 

[dsa1971]

download the utility from here

check the faq section. the app author states he integrated microsoft's script for changing the key.

 

[bacillus]

Use the link that dsa1971 provided, run the program then click on options> change Windows key.