Should I Re Format a notebook a just bought

I have just got my hands on a secondhand Asus notebook. My question is that windows XP is registered under the previous owners name. Can this been changed simply enough an/or if I use the recovery cd, will it allow me to re register with my name etc?

 

>> My question is that windows XP is registered under the previous owners name. Can this been changed simply enough an/or if I use the recovery cd, will it allow me to re register with my name etc? tejmar <<

There is no need to "reformat" the notebook. The "registered owner name" you want to change is set in the windows registry. The process of doing this is fairly simple. Check out the following links for a step-by-step guide: Editing the Windows Registry to reflect a new owner/user name

Changing "registered owner name" is also explained here:
Microsoft Knowledgebase Article ID: 310441
How to Change Name and Company Information After You Install Windows XP

Note: This solution requires modification of the registry of your system. As long as you follow the steps exactly as outlined; you shouldn't have any problems, but be forewarned that modifying the registry incorrectly could potentially lead to system failures as well as other potential difficulties.

Therefore, make sure that you back up your Win XP registry in case you do something wrong and also be that you are familiar with files you are planning to delete/alter.

Additional Note: This tweak has absolutely nothing to do with Windows Product Activation (WPA) and will not allow a user to register an illegal or pirated Windows XP.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for your help Compuable. Jobs done

 

>> Thanks for your help Compuable. Jobs done << tejmar

Oh, my pleasure really, tejmar. I'm glad the "registry fix" worked out for you!

Good Luck!

 

Doh!!!!
Thought it was fixed!!!
It appears that the previous registered owners name still appears. I have only noticed since creating a password log in that the owners name is still the oqiginal owners name. I have modified both the registered organization and registered owners fields in the registry editor to reflect my name but I still get the last owners name at log in??