Changing Windows XP Activation Key

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

I can't seem to change my WPA key, no matter what I do. I've tried the method
listed in Microsoft's knowledge base but still no luck. I have the OEM
version of XP Home but I accidentally used the wrong cd(I have a Dell and
Gateway version).

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Using your new Windows XP CD, and the Product Key
that came with it, perform a "repair install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

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"HELLLP!" wrote:

| I can't seem to change my WPA key, no matter what I do. I've tried the method
| listed in Microsoft's knowledge base but still no luck. I have the OEM
| version of XP Home but I accidentally used the wrong cd(I have a Dell and
| Gateway version).

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

There is no alternative way!

Using your new Windows XP CD, and the Product Key
that came with it, perform a "repair install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"HELLLP!" wrote:

| Is there any alternative way? I tried using Rock XP but that doesn't work
| either.

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

HELLLP! wrote:
> I can't seem to change my WPA key, no matter what I do. I've tried the method
> listed in Microsoft's knowledge base but still no luck. I have the OEM
> version of XP Home but I accidentally used the wrong cd(I have a Dell and
> Gateway version).


The method described in the referenced KB Article applies only to
Volume Licensed installations.

You need to use your _legitimate_ copy of WinXP Pro to perform a
repair (a.k.a. in-place upgrade) installation, using your original CD
and Product Key.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/direc [...] US;Q315341


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (More info?)

Harry Ohrn wrote:
> Not all OEM versions are created equally <G>
>
> You can try Keyfinder http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
> Install and run then select Options->Change Key. However failing this your
> option is a Repair Install which should be quite painless.
>
Harry, that 'keyfinder' itself has some problems. I tried
entering the Product Key which Microsoft had accepted,
in validating my use of the recent Windows Update
monitoring, and *keyfinder* (not Microsoft Activation)
would not accept it.

--
William B. Lurie