:: Changing XP key after installation ::

Dear friends,

Many of you would have come across a situation where your vendor gave you the PC with XP preinstalled, or you got the XP cd from a friend with some cracked key. You install/use it, no issues. The problem comes when you want to enable auto update or install new releases from MS e.g., IE 7, where it asks you to validate your XP and..... it fails :(

So, at this time even if you manage to get a genuine key, many of us don't know that without re-installing xp with this new found treasure, key can be changed withing 2 minutes.


Lets see how:


Step 1.

Open regedit, goto HKLM\Softwares\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WpaEvents

Now edit the OOBETimer key which is in the right pane.

Modify any of the hex values in it.

























Save and close it.




Step 2.


run C:\Windows\System32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

it will open a dialog







Select the 2nd option and click Next




Step 3.





































Click on the Change Product Key button.





Step 4.




















Now, enter your XP key, and Update button will be enabled, after the click on Remind me later button and close.

That's it, your XP key has been updated.

Enjoy