When I try to activate my copy of XP, it tells me it's unable to activate. Is there a way around this? My computer won't shut down on me if I never activate will it?
121301
You'll need to contact Microsoft via telephone (instructions and telephone numbers appear on the activation screen).\n\nYour computer will not shut down if you don't activate the software, but failing to activate the software DOES have consequences...For example, you won't be able to receive any updates to Windows XP...some of which are critical.\n\nThe most common reason for not being able to activate software over the Internet is that the software has already been activated too many times.  If it, in fact, is your copy of the software, and it is registered to you, Microsoft will gladly issue you a replacement key if you ask.
267649
It is possible. You will need a CD of Windows or an I386 directory on your computers. \n\nIt is worth pointing out that both your PC and laptop should have some sort of recovery CD or Windows CD. If you are trying to install the same version of Windows on the laptop as the desktop and you use the same licence key, it will not work. Each copy of XP is licenced to an individual computer. Microsoft WILL detect that it is not the same PC that it was originally installed and will not activate your copy of Windows.\n\nCheck out microsoft.com/support and type your question there.
47311
Microsoft is very strict with their new licensing terms.\n\nYour copy of Win XP Pro is valid for a single or dual processor machine.\n\nMicrosoft has stated that the product is valid for one machine only. You cannot remove the product from one computer and install it on another. If you upgrade your processor and motherboard, your copy of XP is valid only for the previous components, and not your upgraded computer.
280436
All the other things will stop working if you wipe it clean and start over. However, you should be able to re-install a legitimate copy of Windows over top of the existing one and everything in the registry for the other programs will be kept, and the programs should still work....even if they are counterfeit.\nMine came with XP Home Edition already installed.
564348
This can happen if you make a change in your system configuration that is enough to trigger the XP activation required. Someone may have answered no, and then after 30 days, you can not proceed unless you activate.
466412
Your original admin account will only be availble when you are in safe mode. Your original log in that you set up will have same admin settings.But whe you install xp you st up a defaul admin account with a passowrd(if u entered a pass) for safe mode issue and other troubleshooting...then when you went further in the install you set up another user which is the default account your pc boots into.....
311958
No, you aren't in trouble, but you do apparently have a bogus or pirated copy of XP.  Where did you get it?  If you bought it, you should have a key affixed to the CD case.  Try it again, making sure you aren't making some error, caps lock on, etc.  It's easy to mix up a B with an 8, that type of thing.  If it still won't work take it up with the seller.  If it's an OEM that came with the computer, look for a restore disk.  Worse case scenario is you will have to purchase a good copy of XP.  If you were ripped off by a retailer, and are willing to give MS the information about it, they may give you a discount to get it fixed.
385062
Ive got this problem at the moment - manage to download SP1 but it keeps crashing when i try to download SP2 - I don't know if it's a problem at Microsoft end or at my end, but i do know i got a lot of Trojans that i removed a little while back so I'm going to re-install windows XP again in case when the Trojans were removed it corrupted my windows in some way
644555
Your only option at this point is to contact microsoft. If its a valid version they will give you another key. Windows xp key only works twice to begin with and then you have to contact them. If you are trying to boot a copy forget it! the encryption is almost infallible!
8508
yep\n\nU need to download an older version, Ure trying to run the latest version on a non XP SP2 machine
323883
Hmmmm...not exactly sure. My computer came with XP already installed and I had NO disks that came with mine. Mine had the option to make recovery disks though. Did yours not? If you didn't make recovery disks and it didn't come with any, I don't think you can.
93304
I had a friend who did the same thing, he put xp on and realized it could barely boot up. Just put in the win98 cd and let it format the drive during installation. Make sure you have all the drivers for 98 BEFORE installing. Find out what drivers you will need. That is the hardest part by far.
175376
can you be more specific as to what you mean by cannot activate by itself and also how it got ruined ?\n\nAlso is the laptop itself underwarranty or anything like that ?
299386
the key code for the original xp is on a sticker oin the computer, it is an OEM code, it only works withthe Dell recovery cd or XP cd that came with it, istalling bootleg XP is against the law, Dell will send you to microsoft who will offer to sell you a valid code
262407
Windows XP does not accept to work on other machines than the one that been installed into.\nmeans, when you install windows XP on hard drive in machine1, you can not run that windows by moving hard drive in machine2.\n\nYou need to install new Windows XP into this old hard while in machine2.\n\n\nXLMan
376956
Try to get inside XP in safe mode than restore by Win XP restore.\nmaybe this problem can fix this problem\ntry to contact place where you buy PC or reinstall your XP
237225
Is there a sticker on the back of the pc with the product key on it? There should be. Do you have the xp install disk?\nYou need one or both or you are out of luck. \n\nIf you have the sticker, key the product key from that sticker into the box. If that does not work, and you have the cd, try reinstalling xp and entering the product key from the sticker. \n\nIf you do not have a product key, you have no way in and you will have to buy a copy of xp or Me or 2000.