Changing CD Key W/O Deleteing

[Filo]

I've got a burned copy of Windows XP installed. But the key is registered as being pirated, and I can't d/l the plug-in for java. Is there a way I can incorporate a new cd w/o losing all the data on this harddrive. i just formatted and don't wanna do it again. I don't really wanna reinstall windows again either, or does it even make a difference?

[stringbeans]

ya i remember seeing a page somewhere which had instructions on what to do

do a search on google.. and if the page doesnt load up click the "cached page" link because microsoft might have gotten them to remove the method

john
2899131

[Sir_K]

Yes.

Choose Start > Run > Regedit

Then Choose Edit > Find

Then Type :

ProductID

and hit Find Next

Wait until you find the CD key you entered (there may be other product Keys). Make sure it's in a folder called Windows and not something else like photoshop.

Copy the key to the clipboard before changing it.

Change the key with your new one.

Choose Edit > Find

Paste the key you just found into the spot and hit find next.

Replace all instances of that old key with the new one.

Power off and reboot your computer. BTW_ Make sure you do it with a GOOD key. Your windows load might just die if you enter a bad key in.

[edit: updated. prior key was for 9x ]

[Sir_K]

You may also want to change the DigitalProductID key as well to match your new Key