Remove Serial From XP

[SnowBosS]

Hi,

Is there a way to remove the serial number from XP so that you have to enter a new fresh one, in windows 98 & windows Me the only thing I had to do was (regedit) to remove the computer name & registered to name. If you did so and rebooted, the computer would ask for your name & serial number. this was verry easy, beause i could clone a HD (ghost bt symantec). This was a verry fast way to do a computer rollout. I have been searching in Xp to do the same thing, but was not able to do so...

GreetZ

Alain.

[gamehead200]

There is a utility out there that can replace the product key, but we're not allowed to talk about anything like this on MSFN...

[SnowBosS]

I dont want to replace it, I want to reset it, so the computer act's like it's the first time ever it receives a serial number, this was possible in 98, NT4 and ME, but (it seems) not in XP (((

GreetZ

Alain.

[Doggie]

try searching google.com for it

[xper]

http://www.msfn.org/articles.php?action=show&id=1

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=2665

use search on front page or board.

btw, welcome.

[SnowBosS]

Sorry still not what I want, every computer has is own serial number sticking on the front, I (like I did with 98, NT4 & ME) want to clone a computer, then put this clone (done with symantec ghost) on all the other Pc's... but I wnat them to behave like they never received a serial number.

I have to install One PC first (printers, some terminal software stuff like that. Afterwards, i would like to *reset* XP so that the next time the user boot's the PC the first thing he as to do, is to enter de serial number.... After this reset, this is the point where I would make the *clone* and do the rolout on all the other systems

GreetZ

Alain.

[Aaron]

That can't be done, since one copy of XP can be only used on one computer, it takes your hardware info and sticks it on your product key permantly. If you tried activating on another PC, it won't accept, since the hardware won't match.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/eva.../activation.asp

[MSNwar]

Aaron is right.

The right way to do it is to buy the keys from Microsoft through the Microsoft OEM System Builder Program. You will receive one CD from M$ and the keys. This allows you to use the CD to install on as many PCs as you want. During the installation you simply use one of the purchased keys. More information is availabale at http://www.microsoft.com/oem

Keep it simple and buy a six pack.

[Charles]

I think he means like slipstream programs into cd.

Like, you buy your computer, they come with restore discs.

When you restore, XP is installed, but so is special computer drivers, and programs.

[SnowBosS]

yep that's what i mean. for now I am using Norton ghost 2003. This program can clone a HD to another computer, but it also clones the serial number. I would like to be able to put the right serial number on the computer (the one that is sticking on the case)

GreetZ

Alain.

[gamehead200]

Oh! I'm not sure, but I think you can only replace the serial number with the "Devil's Own" version...

[MSNwar]

Please see this MSFN Article, How to Reset your serial number in Windows XP™

Click Here

Thx @ FthrJack for the post and xper for the update

[Aaron]

It seems you can only do it manually on each computer, its hard work, but there should be some third party applications with a GUI to do the job quicker of changing serials.