[windows] Reset Windows Activation/Remove license key

I'm having a hard time finding and answer to this. If I had to hypotheitcally remove the Windows license key from a VM that's been specifically setup for a partner, and it needs to be removed before the VM is handed over, how would I go about doing this? Naturally the built-in 30 day grace period has expired and I'm using an MSDN license key, but I need to remove the key before handing the VM off. The recipient can input their own license key. e.g. how do I reset the Activation Key Wizard's nagging?

This question is related to windows licensing activation

The answer is


On Windows XP -

  1. Reboot into "Safe mode with Command Prompt"
  2. Type "explorer" in the command prompt that comes up and push [Enter]
  3. Click on Start>Run, and type the following :

    rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupOobeBnk

Reboot, and login as normal.

This will reset the 30 day timer for activation back to 30 days so you can enter in the key normally.