How To Change Windows XP Product Key

Sometimes one needs to change the Windows XP product key. There are several ways to do so. Some of them are given below.

Note: You should create System Restore Point before proceeding. If something goes wrong, no need to worry, just restore your system.

1- By changing the registry information

To change your Windows XP product key, please follow the steps below:

Click Start, and then click Run.

1. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.

2. In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version\WPAEvents

3. In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.

4. Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.

5. Click Start, and then click Run.

6. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.

%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

7. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.

8. Click Change Product key.

9. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update.
If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.

10. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message:

Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.

11. Click OK.

12. Install Windows XP SP1 or a later version of Windows XP.
If you cannot restart Windows after you install Windows XP SP1 or a later version of Windows XP, press F8 when you restart the computer, select Last Known Good Configuration, and then repeat this procedure.

2- Using VB Script

• Download the following VB Script and put it in your C Drive (or any other drive for easy access from command prompt)
  Download XP Product Key Changer Script
• Click Start, and then click Run.
• In the Open box, type the following command, where AB123-123AB-AB123-123AB-AB123 is the new product key that you want to use, and then click OK:

C:\changeXPProductKey.vbs ab123-123ab-ab123-123ab-ab123

3- Using Softwares

There are many softwares available which change the product key for Windows. Some of them are listed below.

Windows XP Product Key Modifier
Download Windows XP Product Key Modifier from here.
It’s very easy to use, simple interface. You just have to enter the new product key of Windows XP and you’re done.

The magical Jellybean Key Finder
Download the magical jellybean key finder from here.
After unzipping, run the application. It’s interface is also pretty self explanatory. It will show you your current product key. If you want to change your Windows XP product key, go to Options and select Change Windows Key. If you want to alter your Name and Organization, go to Options –> Change Windows Reg info.

If you find any other option to change the Windows Product Key, please let me know.

References:
Microsoft Article

Edit your context menu

Some time it happens that we install a program and after some time when we remove it. Some of the Entries still remain in New Context Menu. So to remove those entries open your registry editor by typing regedit in Start–>Run

Navigate to the following

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\

Explorer\Discardable\PostSetup\ShellNew

and remove any entry (these will be showing in the right pane)

Similarly if you want to remove unwanted items from the Internet Explorer Right Click Menu. You need to navigate to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MenuExt

and remove any subkey

Likewise to cleanup Openwith Entires:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts

Delete any sub key for the extentions.

Password Protect a folder,Drive,File and USB

Folder Lock is a fast file-security program that can password-protect, lock, hide and encrypt any number of files, folders, drives, pictures and documents in seconds. Protected files are hidden, undeletable, inaccessible and highly secure.

t hides files from kids, friends and co-workers, safeguards them from viruses, trojans, worms and spyware, and even protects them from networked PCs, cable users and hackers. Files can also be protected on USB Flash Drives, Memory Sticks, CD-RW, floppies and notebooks. Protection works even if files are taken from one PC to another on a removable disk, without the need to install any software. It locks files in Windows, DOS and even Safe Modes. Additional Options include Stealth Mode, Hacker Attempt Monitoring, Shred files, AutoLock, Auto Shutdown PC, Lock your PC, Erase PC tracks, 256-bit Blowfish Encryption and Context Menu in Explorer. It works on all kinds of disk types like FAT16, FAT32, NTFS. Folder Lock is the most downloaded file-security program in the market today.

Download

http://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock/

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.1.2 free download

Adobe Reader allows more securely view, print, search, sign, verify, and collaborate on PDF documents, online as well as offline, from your home or office. Reader has a completely redesigned interface, new tools, and new options for viewing information more efficiently. Access to an online, real-time meeting in seconds.

Reader is integrated with Adobe Connect software, which enables users to instantly communicate and accelerate approvals with virtually anyone, anywhere, at any time. Add more security to your documents, forms, and drawings with digital signatures. Leverage Adobe LiveCycle Policy Server and the new Adobe Online Services Document Center to enforce access rights at the document level. Version 8.1.2 includes unspecified updates.

more info: http://www.download.com/Adobe-Acrobat-Reader/3000-2378_4-10000062.html?tag=pop.software

Hands-on With Microsoft's IE8 Beta

Hands-on With Microsoft's IE8 Beta

Source: washingtonpost.com

You might want to proceed with caution before trying IE8. We forged ahead and installed the beta - and experienced more browser crashes during my hands-on than ever before. Prior to installing the IE8 beta, we had Internet Explorer 7 happily running along.Read...................