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setting windows serial number

I have a laptop that came with WinXP installed on it. This laptop was used by another person that installed a fresh copy of WinXP with a different serial number (I'm not sure whether it's genuine or not). My question is can I set the serial number to my licenced copy without reinstalling the OS again (and then register it), or do I actually have to do that?

Thanks.
[386 byte] By [cilu] at [2007-11-19 23:38:22]
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# 1 Re: setting windows serial number
I know it is stored in the registry, and can be changed, but I'd still suggest reinstalling. It can be a little bit of work geting drivers, unless you have mfg disks.
dglienna at 2007-11-9 12:59:41 >
# 2 Re: setting windows serial number
I know it is stored in the registry, and can be changed, but I'd still suggest reinstalling. It can be a little bit of work geting drivers, unless you have mfg disks.
What exactly do you mean by "getting drivers"?
cilu at 2007-11-9 13:00:41 >
# 3 Re: setting windows serial number
Device drivers, if you were to do a format and install. You will need a driver for the network devices, the modem, the screen, and if you have a dvd, then you'll need that software, and drivers.

You would also be getting rid of anything that you don't need, that belonged to him. Plus, your system will run faster when everything is fresh and updated.
dglienna at 2007-11-9 13:01:42 >
# 4 Re: setting windows serial number
David, the WinXP was reinstalled a few days back. Everything works ok. But it's not installed with my licence key, and I want to change it to mine, so that I can register it.
cilu at 2007-11-9 13:02:36 >
# 5 Re: setting windows serial number
Oh! Just go to Activate it online, and let it fail. When it does, you will be presented with a form to correct the Product Key. I think you just have to change that, and then call them. You should have a tag on the bottom of the laptop with the Certificate of Authenticity tag.

EDIT: Just found this: http://www.petri.co.il/change_the_serial_in_windows_xp.htm
dglienna at 2007-11-9 13:03:46 >
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