Tell me more ×
Server Fault is a question and answer site for professional system and network administrators. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I have installed Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition (x86) onto a machine and activated it using the wrong product key. Is there a procedure to reenter and reactivate Windows with the correct key that does not involve reinstalling the OS?

share|improve this question

2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

You can use Magical Jelly Bean Key Finder

Download Site

share|improve this answer
That shows the key but I can't find an option to change it or to reset activation. – John Gardeniers Nov 9 '09 at 21:38
1  
Sorry about that, the updated version removed that functionality. Try this version: magicaljellybean.com/files/keyfinder.v1.51.zip Make sure you backup your activation files first. – JamesBarnett Nov 10 '09 at 21:10
up vote 0 down vote

Check out this article, its for XP, but should work all the same. You need to basically deactivate your copy, then instead of re-activating, change the key. Make sure its the same type of install media that the new key comes from. (Retail, OEM, VL)

http://www.petrikb.com/change%5Fthe%5Fserial%5Fin%5Fwindows%5Fxp.htm

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.