product key on xp reinstall

Question

I recently reformatted my hard drive (virus) and entered an incorrect product key. I needed to validate my system and it was rejected. I didn't realize my correct key is on the side of my pc . Is there a way to correct this without reformatting ?

jeff

Answer 1

You may How to Change the Product Key in Windows XP SP3:

Method 1: Change the Product Key Using Windows Product Key Update Tool

1. Download and install the Windows Product Key Update Tool.
2. Launch the Windows Product Key Update Tool.
3. Enter your valid Windows XP product key and then click "Next."
4. Select "Restart Now" and click "Finish" to complete the process

Method 2: Manually invalidating

Invalidate the existing Windows serial number

1. Click Start, and then click Run. In the Open box, type Regedit, and then click OK.
2. In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents
   
3. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
   Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.
   

Enter the new Windows serial number

3. Click "Start" and go to "Run." Enter the following string:
   %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
4. Click "Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows" and then click "Next."
5. Click "Change Product Key."
6. You will now be able to enter the valid serial number for your Windows XP.
7. Press "Update" and close the window.
8. Now restart your computer. Your version of Windows XP should now be updated with the new serial number.