Theinstag8tor,
This Microsoft support article shows a few ways to change your key to the proper one. The easiest solution that it shows is using the Activation Wizard. To use the wizard you must:
Deactivate Windows
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In the navigation pane, locate and then click the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
4. In the topic pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
Reactivate Windows and add new product key
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
3. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
4. Click Change Product key.
5. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update.
If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
6. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:
Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
7. Click OK.
8. Install Windows XP Service Pack 1a or a later version of Windows XP.
If you cannot restart Windows after you install Windows XP SP1 or a later version of Windows XP, try the following steps:
1. Restart your computer and start pressing F8 until you see the Windows Advanced Options menu.
2. Select Last Known Good Configuration from the menu and press ENTER. This option starts Windows by using a previous good configuration.
3. Repeat steps 1 through 8 under "Reactivate Windows and add new product key."
Something else to keep in mind is the Windows XP End of Support date which is coming up
on April 8, 2014. If you meet the system requirements, it is strongly recommended that users make the move to a modern operating system such as
Windows 7 or
Windows 8 by then.
Mike
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro
The Springboard Series on TechNet
Windows XP End of Support
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram