How to change the product key at the time of activation (810892)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional

SUMMARY

This article describes how to activate Windows XP by using a product key that is different from the one that you used when you installed Windows XP.

RESOLUTION

You must enter a unique product key when you install Windows XP, or when you activate it. If you install Windows XP on a second computer by using your original CD, and then you purchase a second copy of Windows XP or a second license, you must change the product key before you can activate the product. To modify the product key at the time of activation, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Activate Windows.
  2. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
  3. Click Change Product Key, type the new product key, and then click Update.
  4. Click Telephone, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.

MORE INFORMATION

Product activation validates that the software product key, or product identification (required as part of product installation), has not been used on more computers than is permitted by the software license. Activations that use the same product key on the same computer are unlimited. Product activation discourages piracy by limiting the number of times that a product key can be activated on different computers.

For more information about Windows product activation, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/activation.mspx

For more information about how to purchase a second license for Windows XP, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/pricingretail.mspx

Note You can also purchase an additional license for a retail version of Windows XP by calling (877) 426-6010 (United States only).

For additional information about Windows product activation, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

302806 Description of Microsoft product activation

302878 Frequently asked questions about Microsoft product activation

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/7/2005
Keywords:kbPubTypeKC KB810892
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.