Reset XP and 2003 Product key Open Registry. Navigate to "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents\oobetimer" and modify the key. it's a checksum and it needs to be invalidated. Next paste the following into Start -> Run "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a" Select the second option "Activate by phone" and hit next. Select "Change Product Key." Enter new product key and hit "Update." Close the Activation program and install service pack.