Challenging XP Pro Activation - from image (please help)

Please help. I need to activate windows for a second computer using
an image of the first computer I built (with one twist). Computer #1,
configured with XP Pro Upgrade edition, was built with the Windows XP
Pro (Upgrade ed.) using my existing Windows XP Home edition disc to
validate the upgrade disc. After fully configuring the system with
accounts, security policies, etc.., I made an image of the
installation using Acronis True Image (all is good).

I used the Acronis emergency boot/restore disc to install the image
file to a second computer, for which I purchased a FULL-Version of
Windows XP Pro (not the Upgrade edition). After successfully
installing the image file to the second computer, I then needed to
activate it (within 3 days as directed by MS). Fearing I would
accidentally void computer #1's product key, I followed the following
procedure to change/foul-up my "Computer #1" Product Key before trying
to activate computer #2 ... my thought process was that the 2nd
computer would somehow activate using computer #1's Product Key and I
can't let this happen.

To change the product ID
1. Log in as the local Administrator
2. Click Start --> Run --> and type in Regedit
3. Browse to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT
\CurrentVersion\wpaevents
4. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify
5. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows
6. Click OK and close regedit
7. Click Start --> Run and type in: "%systemroot%\system32\oobe
\msoobe.exe /a"
8. Click "Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative
to activate Windows, and then click Next
9. Click Change Product Key (at the bottom)
10. Enter your valid Product Key
11. Press Update and close the window.
but this is where it fails: "Invalid Product Key"

I called MS to get assistance but the lady I spoke with told me that
it would cost $59 to get assistance because my install disc is an
"OEM" disc (bought from TigerDirect.com) and it states on the CD, "For
Distribution with a new CD only. For product support, contact the
manufacturer of your PC." Worst case is that I install from scratch,
but I don't want to waste all that time building a new system from the
ground up. I've done the work and saved the image, so I'd prefer to
use the image I have. Can anyone help me? Thanks kindly, Rich

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Challenging XP Pro Activation - from image (please help)
    ... file and this allowed me to put my new product key into the imaged ... configured with XP Pro Upgrade edition, was built with the Windows XP ... Pro using my existing Windows XP Home edition disc to ... I used the Acronis emergency boot/restore disc to install the image ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: XP Pro Validation
    ... recommended will change the product key. ... recent service pack than the copy of Windows on your CD. ... clean install with your legitimate copy of Windows. ... I recently got a messge saying that my copy of XP Pro was not genuine, ...
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