How do I change the product key for Windows Server 2003 R2?

Question

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?

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Nov 09 '09 at 19:34

2

You can use Magical Jelly Bean Key Finder

Download Site

answered Nov 09 '09 at 19:34

JamesBarnett

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That shows the key but I can't find an option to change it or to reset activation. – John Gardeniers Nov 09 '09 at 21:38
1

Sorry about that, the updated version removed that functionality. Try this version: http://www.magicaljellybean.com/files/keyfinder.v1.51.zip Make sure you backup your activation files first. – JamesBarnett Nov 10 '09 at 21:10

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 27 '09 at 19:52

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_the_serial_in_windows_xp.htm

How do I change the product key for Windows Server 2003 R2?

2 Answers2