How
to change the Windows XP Product Activation Key Code
Since
the release of Windows XP Professional, Microsoft has discovered that
the vast majority of illegitimate copies in use are using a
small handful of leaked "corporate" keys. In an effort to
thwart these illegitimate users, Windows XP Service Pack 1 (and
possibly all future updates) will not install on systems using
these keys, and it is unclear what additional steps Microsoft
may take in the future. Microsoft claims that legitimate licensed users of XP Professional should
be unaffected, however there are a number of different ways one of these
leaked keys can find its way into an otherwise legal environment and
cause serious deployment issues. (When a legitimate corporate
key is not at hand during an installation process, it's a common
practice for some administrators to simple search the web for a
valid key.) Here's how to check if your systems are using a
leaked key, and how to change the product activation key if they
are.
This tip explains how to check the product ID, how to change your product ID in Windows XP and describes the scripting process. Access the tip now by registering for our sister site,
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This
article is intended for IT Professionals and
systems administrators with legitimate corporate
licenses for Windows XP Professional. It is not intended for home
users, hackers, or computer thieves attempting
to crack the product ID on a pirated version of
the Operating System. Please do
not attempt any of these procedures if you are
unfamiliar with modifying the Windows XP
registry, and please
use this information responsibly. LabMice.net is
not responsible for the use or misuse of this
material, including loss of data, damage to
hardware, or personal injury. INFORMATION
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