How can I change my Windows XP CD-ROM key?
To change your XP CD-ROM key, perform the following steps:
Create a system restore checkpoint, in case you encounter a problem
Start a registry editor (e.g., regedit.exe)
Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents registry subkey
Edit the OOBETimer value, modify any one character, then click OK
Start the CD-ROM key Activation Wizard - click Start, Run and type \%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
Select the "Activate by Phone" option
At the product key screen, enter your new key, then click Update
If the wizard returns you to the previous window, click "Remind me later," then restart the machine
Repeat Step 5. XP will display the message "Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit."
You can also use the following script that Microsoft provides to change the CD-ROM key:
'
' Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Script - ChangeVLKey.vbs
'
' This script changes the product key on the computer. Service Pack 1 must be installed.
'********************************************************************
ON ERROR RESUME NEXT
if Wscript.arguments.count
