How to Change the Windows XP Product Key?

My friend came to me for a help because he wanted to install new legal license of Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2. He bought new clone desktop computer for his office. So, we set a date for his computer operating system's (OS) installation on the next day.

Upon examining his newly bought clone desktop computer, I've noticed that there was a pre-installed Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP 2. Then, I told my friend that it's already there (the OS) and no need for installation. He immediately replied to me that it is NOT LEGAL! He don't want to violate the intellectual property rights (IPR) according to him.

Then, I was contemplating on the scenario because installing Windows XP will take much time. I decided to change the product key installed in the desktop computer instead of installing fresh OS in order to shorten my stay in his office. In order to make it more legal, I affixed the Certificate of Authenticity sticker to the exterior of the computer also.

I tapped my online friend, GOOGLE...I was googling then for more help, and here is what I found. I tried to use this ideas and it works perfectly...........

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

1. Click on Start and then Run.
2. In the text box in the Run window, type regedit and click OK. This will open the Registry Editor program.
3. Locate the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder under My Computer and click on the (+) sign next the folder name to expand the folder.
4. Continue to expand folders until you reach the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents registry key.
5. Click on the WPAEvents folder.
6. In the results that appear in the window on the right, locate OOBETimer.
7. Right-click on the OOBETimer entry and choose Modify from the resulting menu.
8. Change at least one digit in the Value data text box and click OK. This will deactivate Windows XP.
9. Click on Start and then Run.
10. In the text box in the Run window, type the following command and click OK. %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
11. When the Windows Product Activation window appears, choose Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows and then click Next.
12. Click Change Product Key.
13. Type your new, valid Windows XP product key in the New key text boxes and then click Update.
14. If you're taken back to the previous screen and prompted, choose Remind me later.
15. Restart Windows.
16. After restarting Windows XP, a 30 days registration for activation reminder will appear. In this case, you must be connected to the internet for online registration/activation or call the local Microsoft Regional Office for telephone activation....of course you must spend for long distance call....

I am hoping that this will help to those Microsoft Windows XP fanatics as a life line in times of mission critical moments. Enjoy your IT experience!