Tuesday, October 25, 2011

How do I change the XPSP2 Product Key from an installed Volume Licensed version to a retail version?

I rebuilt my system and used a corporate CD to reinstall the OS, but now would like to apply my own key since the PC is a personal one. It appears the algorithm for checking keys on a volume licensed version of the OS is incompatible with retail keys. So the standard methods of changing keys, an example of which is at http://pages.prodigy.net/larzman/WinXP_Key_Code.htm do not work. Is there a way to do this without reinstalling the OS with the retail CD? I've already reinstalled too many apps to start with a fresh install again.How do I change the XPSP2 Product Key from an installed Volume Licensed version to a retail version?I found this download a while back and it worked for me (I had a VLK on my XP Pro and wanted to make it legal.)



http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Syst



I've also heard people say it's possible to do an install by starting the install CD from the desktop. When it gets to the part about installing the product key, do so. Continue through the next few screens and then cancel the setup when you see the %26quot;Get Updated Setup Files%26quot; screen. The new product key is supposed to remain intact. This link shows actual screen shots of what you would see. (I used XP Pro but the steps are the same for XP Home.) Again, I have not tried this myself but others have said it works.



http://www.windowsxpprofessional.windowsHow do I change the XPSP2 Product Key from an installed Volume Licensed version to a retail version?I tried the software mentioned and found it claimed to work although it didn't. To determine that, I used a program found at http://wisdombay.com/downs/xpcdkey.php.



The second method, using an aborted install, seems clever but didn't work either.

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