How to Update a License Key in Windows XP

Download the Product Key Update Tool

• 1). Open a Web browser and navigate to the Update Your Product Key page on the Genuine Microsoft Software website. (See Resources.)
  
  
• 2). Click the "Windows XP" button.
  
  
• 3). Check the box labeled "I understand this tool will send the above information to Microsoft," and then click the adjacent "Download" button.
  
  
• 4). Click "Run" when prompted by your browser. This opens the Windows Product Key Update Tool.
  
  

Update the Product Key

• 1). Enter the replacement product key value in the corresponding fields. The 25-character value is found on the Certificate of Authenticity associated with your Windows XP license.
  
  
• 2). Click "Next."
  
  
• 3). Check the "Restart now" box after the update process completes, and then click the "Finish" button. Windows XP will automatically shut down and then immediately restart itself.
  
  

Re-activate Windows

• 1). Click the Windows "Start" button and select "All Programs," followed by "Accessories," "System Tools" and "Activate Windows."
  
  
• 2). Select "Yes, let's activate Windows over the Internet now," and then click "Next."
  
  
• 3). Select "No, I don't want to register now; let's just activate Windows," and then click "Next."
  
  
• 4). Click "OK" after the activation process completes to close the Activation Wizard window.