windows product key

hi

i own a laptop which came with a copy of windows XP however i have lost the cd that came with it. i phoned the company and they want a considerable amount of money for a replacement. I have a mate who said he has a copied version but is it possible to change the key so that i am running a legitamit version with the key i have already paid for. if so how would i go about changing it?
cheers in advance
danny

 

Use this software : http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
to retrieve your windows key *legally*, then borrow an XP cd off of a friend, and use your own key to reinstall.
Simple, and 100% legal

 

cheers for the quick reply i will give it a go

 

yeah... ummm how do you bring up windows XP activation key thing if its not on your task bar. haha, probably think i'm a noob as i'm labled but yea tell me please

 

activatio wizard up?
start>all programs>acessories>system tools
u'll see activate windows..
you can activate windows from there