How to Change a Windows XP Product Key

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You've installed your OS or entered your product key, but now you want to change it. How do you do it? You can use the Windows Activation Wizard graphical user interface (GUI) or a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) script. The Activation Wizard method is easier, but if you must change the product key for multiple computers, the script method is better.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Regedit

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    This should open the Registry Editor.
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    • Hkey_local_machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
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    , if you do, restart your computer, and you're done!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Windows Product Key Updater

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    This tool will scan your system for any inconsistency or errors. Wait for the scan to finish.
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    You might be required to activate your system again.
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    This will allow the changes to take place. You might be required to activate your system again.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I do if it doesn't accept the Product Key, even if it is right?
    Jarod Smith
    Community Answer
    If the product key isn't working, there is something wrong with the OS. It also might be due to the fact that Windows XP has stopped being supported. You can try updating Windows.
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      Warnings

      • This will not work when the installation source and the product key are representative of varying licenses. For example, if the installation CD is a retail license, but the product key is for an OEM license.
        Thanks
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      • Never tell anybody your product key.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4
      • Editing the registry (or any system file) is like surgery: BE CAREFUL! Don't edit anything except what this article tells you to when you open, 'Regedit'. Doing so can cause system instability, changes in functionality, or worse, be unable to use Windows altogether.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 4
      • Do not use any product keys that you find on any websites, these could cause you to fail the windows genuine advantage test as those keys are probable already one Microsoft's product key blacklists. Failing this test loses your operating systems genuineness, restricts updates and displays annoying messages to buy a real product key.
        Thanks
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