Windows Activation New HDD

I purchased a computer with Windows XP factory installed and activated it
with no problems.

My hard drive failed. I took the computer to a local dealer who installed a
new hard drive and also installed a corporate copy of Windows XP. This
dealer is now out of business. When I was prompted to activate Windows again
I was informed that it was a blocked copy.

I do not want to reinstall Windows from scratch since I have already
reinstalled all of my applications. How can I change the activation number
from what it currently is to my original number?

I ran accross a program named Keyfinder. Will this program let me change the
CD key that Windows was installed with by the Dealer so I can reactivate
Windows with my own CD key?


"Chris Davis" wrote:

> I purchased a computer with Windows XP factory installed and activated it
> with no problems.
>
> My hard drive failed. I took the computer to a local dealer who installed a
> new hard drive and also installed a corporate copy of Windows XP. This
> dealer is now out of business. When I was prompted to activate Windows again
> I was informed that it was a blocked copy.
>
> I do not want to reinstall Windows from scratch since I have already
> reinstalled all of my applications. How can I change the activation number
> from what it currently is to my original number?
>

Probably not unless your original version is also a Volume License...Not
very likely.
Those tools only work if both versions are the same.
See if this applies:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm

If it is Volume License, it is Windows XP Pro.
Then if you have Windows XP Home, a Clean Installation is your only option.

Thank your dealer, if you ever see them again.
Small wonder they are out of business.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Chris Davis" <> wrote in message
news:A0896B5B-6580-4D13-9542-...
>I ran accross a program named Keyfinder. Will this program let me change
>the
> CD key that Windows was installed with by the Dealer so I can reactivate
> Windows with my own CD key?
>
>
> "Chris Davis" wrote:
>
>> I purchased a computer with Windows XP factory installed and activated it
>> with no problems.
>>
>> My hard drive failed. I took the computer to a local dealer who
>> installed a
>> new hard drive and also installed a corporate copy of Windows XP. This
>> dealer is now out of business. When I was prompted to activate Windows
>> again
>> I was informed that it was a blocked copy.
>>
>> I do not want to reinstall Windows from scratch since I have already
>> reinstalled all of my applications. How can I change the activation
>> number
>> from what it currently is to my original number?
>>