Re-registering Windows XP?

[chrisrob]

My new laptop failed last week (a hard drive problem) :-(
Dell collected it and returned it quickly with new hard disk. :-)
(Fortunately I had everything backed up!)
BUT, when clicking on my computer properties, it had shown my name; now it shows a Madeleine someone who isn't me.
I'm hoping Buenchico or someone knows a way to change this? Or do I have to do a complete re-install?
It's Windows XP (SP3) home edition.

[ChuckFickens]

IT can be done by editing the registry


Click the Start Button

click Run

In the Run dialog box type: regedit

then in the left pane click the little plus next to each of these in turn

HKEY_Local_Machine
Software
Microsoft
WindowsNT

then click on the actual words Current Version

take a look in the Right Hand Pane and look for 'Registered Owner and double click on it, enter the name you want windows to be registered to and click ok. Close the editor and that should do it.

[chrisrob]

Great. Thanks Chuck. Really fast reply.