So if I get an OEM copy of Windows XP Pro I can skip the product activation?
968145
No the activation process logs that disk to that perticular computer also you get the benefits of security up dates and other very vital notifications the other thing is microsoft now know what OEM disks are genuine and which are copies you'd be better and safer toget the original when my system crashed it cost me £30 to have it sorted and the disk to go with it £60
444836
I had a copy of Windows XP that had a key number that wouldn't be accepted, so I had to phone Microsoft to get a new number.\n\nI don't know if this is possible with Microsoft Office, but if it is, it shouldn't cost you anything. The call should be toll free too.\n\nI'm not sure if this will work, but look in tools/manage add ons to see if there is an active x control that is creating the product key message.\n\nIf you have a copy of Windows XP that you want to update from Microsoft's site, sometimes you get a message saying the product key isn't valid, so you can't download security updates. This is due to an activex control that can be disabled. It is perfectly legal btw to disable this activex control, whether or not your product key is valid.
896915
Do you mean that you are running a pirated XP? Well, I used to have one until a month ago. Its not that bad, but there are many security lapses, of course. I am now using genuine XP Pro now, and its much better. Moreover, you cannot also get any of the new Microsoft products, like Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Defender or WMP 11. Still, if you cannot afford a genuine XP, then the pirated one is OK. By the way, a free and open source Operating System called Ubuntu is available over the net. My friend says its pretty good, and has all the basics of XP Home edition. You may like to have it.\nhttp://www.ubuntu.com/\n\nDon't do anything yourself. Hire a technician or a professional.
287729
Should have come with your software. Unless of course you bought a pirated copy :( I believe I read something about XP and future editions of Windows will be configured to become inoperable on the host computer if the key is entered into another computer (like if you buy a new computer and load your copy of xp on it, it will become inoperable on the old computer)
773480
you need the product key.\nif, its a genuine copy, give microsoft a call, they will help you.\nif it is "not", they wont help you.
22525
I'm guessing it was the Corporate Edition of XP Pro. Was this as an upgrade on top of the existing XP Pro?  Not sure why anyone would do that? I would save all of your data to another disk or CD then start over.
115810
if it is a retail copy of XP, try contacting microsoft support, but if it is an OEM version (ie. came with the PC) you probably will have to contact the computer manufacturer or reseller.
502520
Buy an authetic one from eBay.  It will be cheaper.  Instead of $300 for XP home edition, you can get it for about 80 to 90 bucks on eBay.\n\nOnce you get it, install it and you will have a clean and autheticated installation and full support from microsoft as well as your boot discs.
179935
Microsoft has made that task quite hard.\n\nYou have to call in to Microsoft to get the code to activate a copy of Windows XP.  If someone has already gotten the code, you cannot.\n\nI suggest not pirating Windows.  It is just like stealing.\n\nPEACE IS COMMING SOON!
1089486
Just borrow a Windows XP Home Edition CD from one of your friends and use your product key.  It should work just fine.
196013
Go to Activate windows dialog. There is an option for calling the Representative of Microsoft, in case there is no option. For this option, you need to contact your local Microsoft. They would give you an activation key, which is valid for a limited amount of time. You need to enter this key into the Active Windows dialog again. The key would be validated and your Windows XP would be activatd.
261905
It will always ask you for a key every time you try to install it. If you have the original software, the cd sleeve should have the serial. Microsoft does offer some phone activation options as well.
664426
it is on the box, it is asking you for it, cause it was deleted in the restore process, you should have gotten it before the restore, btw, if this is a store bought computer, with a legit copy of xp, there is a sticker on the case somewhere, the oem has to put it on there
954428
Yes you do! The only way to get a new code is to contact microsoft and you will need proof of purchase. They will send you the code for free. By the way, dont bother with other codes because it doesnt work that way! You might also contact Dell if its an OEM disk.
942214
Yes, it is possible. There are software out there that will "clone" your harddrive, including the OS and applications and data. Even when drive capacities don't match software can compansate for it (e.g., you can transfer to a larger drive without problems). I have used one such software (click on the source link below), but I encourage you to look at other software as well.\n\nKeep in mind you may trigger Windows XPs built-in validation check by changing hardware. However, this is not a problem, even in the worst case scenario you may simply go to a web site or make a phone call to re-validate Windows XP.
707691
How did you get a legal copy of XP Pro Corporate Edition? That;s for use by corporations running legal networks. And yes, it will require the "dreaded" Windows Activation. Buy a legal copy and get off the pirated software.
450903
Assuming your copy is registered/you have a liscence you could contact microsoft about a replacement disc. As long as you can prove that it is a legitimate version on your computer that has been paid for.\n\nEither that or contact whoever sold you built the computer and ask for the disc