How can I add my license key to an XP Pro imaged drive?

I had a issue with the MS UAA driver and Realtek audio that I could not resolve no matter what I tried so I decided to take a different approach.

Here's one last idea before I clean install and buy a new PCI sound card...

I actually bought two Gateway e-4000 used computers at the same time with pretty much the same configuration.
So I figured, the second computer (Computer2) is working fine (though I had preferred to do a clean install on both, which is how I came to have the clean install on Computer1 with no audio-grrrrrr!).

So instead of wasting any more time over this, what if I can just live with the extra stuff on the PC that came already on it? Because I'd rather have a working PC with extra files or apps to remove than have a clean install that doesn't work. So, I did a little tidying on Computer2 and cleaned it up to a point I was happy with. I then used xxclone to clone the HD from Computer2 to Computer1 (the one with the non-working audio). I put the HD back into Computer1 with the new image from Computer2 and everything worked beautifully. Sound and all.

However, I then had 2 HDs with the same license. As I have a license key for each computer, this is not a problem. But how do I get the new license on the newly imaged drive (Computer1?)

I read in another forum that I could image the drive first, then run sysprep on the newly imaged HD (Computer1) to regenerate sids and enter the new license key. I tried it, unsuccessfully, but I think that was user error as I didn't place the files in the correct spot (c:\sysprep) and I didn't select mini-setup which I think I should have.

So before I start the entire imaging process over again, I could use some input. Does this approach sound right? I have read a ton and the typical way is to sysprep the reference drive first then shutdown and then image (image a drive that's been shut down??? whaaaa???), but I don't have ghost or acronis or the like that will allow me to image a drive that's been shutdown. I have xxclone and that's what I'm using. It clones a running machine and it did a great job imaging so I don't really care to buy some other software.

Anyway, correct me if I'm wrong... there should be no reason I wouldn't be able to sysprep the new drive after it's been imaged, correct?
I can't verify this anywhere because all the documentation I found is specific to some IT department pushing stuff to a company full of machines. So PLEASE don't point me to microsoft's support pages (or anyone else's for that matter unless it is specific to my situation - one user, two computers).
Also, I'm pretty sure I don't need a configure an answer file because I'm not automating a multi-system deployment, is this correct?
All I need is to put a new license that I already own on an imaged drive.

Also, please respond to me like I'm an idiot. The more simple and detailed the answers/instructions/advice the better. This is all new to me and if it sounds like I know what I'm talking about, it's purely by accident. Or, it's that I've retained a lot of what I've read today, but only barely understand it.

Anyway, thanks for your help!

 

Technically that same key on both PCs will not be an issue. I used an OEM Home XP image on PCs at my old job and each case had a license, but they were all the same key on the image. But you can find XP key changers, like RockXP or Magic Jelly Bean - I am pretty sure allow you to change the key.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=xp+key+changer

 

This did not work. I followed the instructions to modify the oobetimer in the registry. I even tried changing two characters. Each time I launched the activation (c:\windows\system32\oobe\oobe.exe /a), the activation wizard stated that I already had a valid key and didn't give me an option to change it. Just an "ok" button.

Also, all documentation I have found on Magic Jelly Bean and RockXP states that they to not change the key, they only find it.

Thank you though. At least I have the drive re-imaged and I'm ready for more ideas.

Anyone?

 

Clarification: If it wasn't clear in my last post, I followed the google search link in foogoo's post and found instructions for modifying the oobetimer in the registry.

Sorry I missed that info the first time around. I would have edited my last post instead of adding a new post, but couldn't seem to. (I was logged in. Is there a time limit on editing your post?)

Any other ideas on how to re-key an imaged drive?

 

There is a program specifically written to change your XP key:
http://www.download.com/XP-Key-Changer/3000-2094_4-10832984.html

It is limitware and I'm not certain it will allow you to do more than retreive your current Xp Key in the trial version, but it only cost $8 for the full version.