Changing my Windows CD Key (no illegal business!)

Carzy · 6 May 2006 at 15:15

Basically, I formatted my computer while I was back in London for the easter break, but hadn't anticipated having to do it so I left my CD Key back in Nottingham. I found myself a random CD Key off the web so that I could actually install windows, knowing I'd have the 30 Day period to sort stuff out. That time has almost run out and I'd like to activate windows. Is there any way via Registry etc that I can change my CD Key to my actual one so I can web-authenticate my copy of windows?

Cheers.

MarcLister · 6 May 2006 at 15:35

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17570973 and http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328874 should help you out.

zetec452 · 6 May 2006 at 18:40

If you try and activate it MS will tell you it can't be activated and offer you to enter another keycode in.

PinkPig · 6 May 2006 at 19:33

JonRohan said:
If you try and activate it MS will tell you it can't be activated and offer you to enter another keycode in.

You don't even need to do that, if you use the "activate by phone" option there's a button to change the key there.