How to change the Volume Licensing product key
Ever wanted to change the Microsoft Windows Volume Licensing product key, here are some simple steps to perform.
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
4. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows. Remember to make a note of the current value & changes you have done. To avoid issue just append 11 at the end of the value.
6. Click Start, and then click Run.
7. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
8. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
9. Click Change Product key.
10. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update. Windows XP Professional SP2 VLK
XXXXX-XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX
11. If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and come to main window.
12. Now start from step 1 & revert back to the old value you updated in step 5. Delete 11 you appended in step 5.
13. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:
Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
14. Click OK.
15. Restart the computer.
Labels: Windows XP Tips
