How to Change the Windows XP Serial Key

Quickly change your Windows XP product key.

Due in part to its relatively high cost, early editions of Microsoft's Windows operating system were widely pirated by users who installed the software without purchasing a license. To help fight this piracy, the XP version of Windows requires the entry of a unique 25-character product key during setup. Sometimes referred to as a serial key, the product key can only be used to activate a single Windows installation. If you need to change the key value for any reason, use the Windows Product Key Update Tool distributed by Microsoft.

Instructions

1. Log on to the Windows Product Key Update Tool page on the Microsoft website (see Resources section).

2. Check the box labeled "I understand this tool will send the above information to Microsoft."

3. Click the adjacent "Download" button.

4. Click "Run" when prompted by your browser.

5. Enter your product key in the corresponding fields. The 25-character key value is located on a sticker attached to the back of your Windows XP installation CD case.

6. Click "Next" to start the update process.

7. Close any open programs.

8. Check the "Restart now" box when the "Update complete" message appears.

9. Click "Finish" to close the Windows Product Key Update Tool and restart your computer.

10. Follow the instructions that appear after your computer restarts to reactivate Windows using your new product key. You can reactivate the operating system over the Internet or by calling a Microsoft customer service representative.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to activate Windows XP

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows Product Key Update Tool