Windows XP OEM as a VM

I have a Windows XP machine that died, but before it did I built an image of the machine with Acronis True Image. I ran the image through VCenter convert to build a VM. When I run the VM with VMPlayer the OS wants to activate and when I let it try it tells me that it is an OEM version and can not be activated. I understand that because OEM versions are tied to the hardware.

My problem is that I purchased a retail copy of the OS, but have found no way to replace the OEM key with the retail copy key so the VM can activate correctly. Logically, this would seem to be possible, but I have not figured out how. I have tried a repair of the VM OS using the retail copy of the CD but I can't get through the whole process before I get an error telling me a file can not be found on the CD which is really there.

Any suggestions?

 

Might help if everyone knew exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Is there something on this disk image that you wish to save?

 

Does it come up with the alternative activation? Call MS and explain that you have 'rebuilt' your PC and need to activate it, usually they will give you the activation key.

 

The image contains several programs including QuickBooks that have been updated several times and I don't want to go through and reinstall everything from scratch.

 

Yes it does and I called the Microsoft number and the voice box told me that the license I have is an OEM license and is tied to the machine it was first installed on. Unfortunately, you do not get to talk to a real person. I bought a retail copy of the software hoping that I could substitute the activation key for the OEM one. I don't want to do anything illegal, but you would think that if I have a retail copy of the software there would be a way to replace the OEM version. If only by replacing the activation key.