how can you get a new product key for windows xp for free?

Question

have windows xp but the product key is invalid what do i need to do

Answer 1

Call Microsoft - just be sure your CD is genuine and not a rip off.

Answer 2

If you acquired the key illegally - you can't, and you shouldn't have!

If you were the victim of buying a PC from a retailer that has supplied an illegal key - click the link that will appear in windows saying you have an invalid key, and through the microsoft website I believe you can get a new key as long as you can (a) prove you bought it without knowing and (b) are prepared to name+shame the retailer that you bought it from.

-Chris

Answer 3

first change the registry entry for the activation to unregister or deactivate that version of windows......Do a search for how.....then click to activate....then where it asks you if you want to go online to activate select other options and go to activate over phone......there you have an option to change the product key.....but first use the drop-down list to locate the phone number for your area to call for activation.....once you get a live person (you still have to enter the installation id through the prompt anyways) then let them know you have an invalid key, or just give them the installation id and they may activate it......if they have that key listed as invalid they may just give you a valid key, and they'll walk you through changing the key.......other option is to click on change product key, enter a valid key then reboot after the prompts and select to activate over phone and follow the steps. Either way, if you change the product key your going to have to use the phone activation as the "new" genuine advantage tool will identify the mac address of your pc and it won't matter how many times you try it'll keep telling you that your copy is invalid until it gets a new install/activation id....then the WGA resets and away you go.

Answer 4

If you purchased the computer new with that Product Key, contact Microsoft. If it is illegal they may issue you a new key in trade for the name of the shop\person who sold you that computer.

Answer 5

Well If the key was working before ... Then call microsoft and give them the old key. They will give the new key1-800-936-4900

if you you want it for free.. They try Warez sites (illegal) say like katz.ws or some forums like www.warez-bb.org

Answer 6

You couldn't get a new Key for free, if your XP-Version isn't legal. If you can show, what you have buyed a illegal Version legally you should tell this to microsoft and your XP-distributor.

Answer 7

If yours is genuine the product key is in the computer itself !
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml