How to change my windows product key

Level of difficulty: Easy

Sometimes a pirated/invalid product key prompts an error or improper shut down of the Windows. In that case one has to change the Product Key if he finds that the currently working product key is pirated or illegal. It is not necessary to follow the reinstallation process again. One can change the Windows XP product key through the command prompt.

Materials Needed:
- Purchase a legal Microsoft Product Key. You can buy it through a mail to Microsoft
- within few minutes.
Step 1
Go to the 'Start' button and then click on 'Run' option.
Step 2
Type 'regedit' in the entry field and then click on 'Ok' button. By doing this one will enter into the Registry Editor Program.
Step 3
Click on the + sign of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder which falls under the My Computer field, to expand the folder.
Step 4
Keep on expanding the folders in the following manner: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWSNT\CURRENT VERSION\WPA EVENTS registry key.
Step 5
Open the WPAEvents option.
Step 6
Open the WPAEvents.
Step 7
You will find a OOBETimer on the right hand side of the box.
Step 8
Right click on the OOBETimer and go to the 'Modify'.
Step 9
Deactivate Windows XP by altering at least one digit in the Value Data Text Box. Close the registry editor at this point.
Step 10
Again go to 'Start' then 'Run' command prompt. Now enter the following command in the text box: %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
Step 11
There will appear a 'Let’s activate Windows' pop up window, select 'Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows' and then 'Next' option.
Step 12
At the bottom of the window one will find a 'Change Product Key' option, click on it.
Step 13
Fill anything on this screen.
Step 14
Enter your new valid Windows XP Product Key in the 'New key' text boxes and click on the 'Update' button.