Change the Windows XP Key

Changing the Windows XP product key may be necessary if you discover your current key is pirated or illegal but you don't want to reinstall Windows XP to activate your new legal key.

Prefer screen shots? Try my Step by Step Guide to Changing the Windows XP Product Key for an easy walk-through!

Note: Changes to the registry are made in these steps. Take great care in making only the changes described below. I recommend that you backup the registry keys you're modifying in these steps as an extra precaution.

If you're uncomfortable making registry changes, check out the tips at the bottom of the page.