He PM'd me saying that after he re-installed Windows, it keeps asking him to activate, and returning an error saying that it is already activated. I think he wants to delete the key so that he can activate it correctly, but can't be too sure.
Well, correct me if I am wrong, but activation is an online process where your copy of windows gets registered on Microsoft's website (server). So you cant just delete it on your PC. And if you activated once, you do not need to reactivate. Just use the cd key to install and that is it.
If you format your hard drive, everything will be good for a clean install. however, you should first back up everything you want to keep before doing so.
if your OS is already loaded and you want to format, just put in your OS disk and it will give you an option to do a format of the hard drive.
in regard to the registration key, you can have it activated by calling microsoft as long as you are the legal owner of the product key code.
I dont remember the installaton process right now. If I am correct, the activatio is at the very end (on that blue screen). I think you have a skip button in the lower right corner.
Then you should look in the startup folder in your Start menu.
Also, look in the registry for any values that might be opening it in these keys, and delete them:
It sounds like you may have installed windows XP on another machine. This may also occur if you have made major changes to the hardware in your PC, such as replacing the processor.
If this is the case or you have just bought a new PC, you will first need to uninstall Windows XP from the old PC and you may need to call Microsoft to get it re activated.
A DOS fix? - Windows XP doesn't have DOS, therefore it won't be of much use. Like I have already said, call Microsoft. If you have a legit copy of Windows XP then they will have no problems with giving you the activation key over the phone.
1
Run regedit and go to:
HKey_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current
Version\WPAEvents, on the right double click on "oobetimer"
and change at least one digit of this value to deactivate windows.
2
Choose run from start menu and type in this command:
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a to get the
activation screen and go to the second option which is
activate by phone.
3
In the new screen choose the option to change product
key, and type in the new product key (Corporate one only)***.
4
Close that window, reboot your system and enter the
command in step 2 for the second time to verify your
activation , you should see "windows is already activated".
i would give you some keys..but i think that is illegal
Please don't post methods here to get around the activation system. Such discussion is not permitted. If you are having a problem activating a copy of Windows XP then you should call Microsoft using one of the numbers given in the Activation Wizard.
A DOS fix? - Windows XP doesn't have DOS, therefore it won't be of much use. Like I have already said, call Microsoft. If you have a legit copy of Windows XP then they will have no problems with giving you the activation key over the phone.
The user seems to not want to call MS at all costs. I am thinking its an illegal copy. In regard to DOS, all operating systems have DOS. I have WIN XP and I can run DOS. Especially good for me when I need to do network administration functions on my home network.
i fail to see what this has to do with visual basic
pete
your right on that.
In any case, if you dont want to call MS, then probably the only way is to fromat the partition and do a clean install from the begining. Backup your files using someone elses PC (connect your HDD to another PC)
The user seems to not want to call MS at all costs. I am thinking its an illegal copy. In regard to DOS, all operating systems have DOS. I have WIN XP and I can run DOS. Especially good for me when I need to do network administration functions on my home network.
I was being facetious. . Technically MS did away with DOS in Windows NT where it was replaced with a "Command Line Interpreter", this could be made to emulate the behaviour of DOS, eg. by using command instead of cmd but it isn't the DOS operating system.
Windows 95/98/ME all have DOS, but Windows NT+ have the CLI instead and being a direct descendent of NT, XP does too.
Last edited by visualAd; May 16th, 2005 at 06:39 AM.
In any case, if you dont want to call MS, then probably the only way is to fromat the partition and do a clean install from the begining. Backup your files using someone elses PC (connect your HDD to another PC)
Just like I suggested in my first post. Still think its an illegal copy
I was being facetious. . Technically MS did away with DOS in Windows NT where it was replaced with a "Command Line Interpreter", this could be made to emulate the behaviour of DOS, eg. by using command instead of cmd but it isn't the DOS operating system.
Windows 95/98/ME all have DOS, but Windows NT+ have the CLI instead and being a direct descendent of NT, XP does too.
hmm...use a dos registery editor to complete the first task this should allow you move about in windows xp..and i think the admin account in safemode is able to login and do little work...
(remeber if your FS is NTFS then you will need NTFS drivers to load the HD)
i am thinking about making a vb app that will do all this...anyone want any features in there?..
You should have backed up yor wpa files. (info here)
Options: Reformatting.... Safe-Mode /w command prompt only (this should work)
You should have had 14 days to activate your copy?
If this is a copy borrowed from a friend (or another computer) or a burnt disc... you might as well stop asking for help on these forums -- you wont get any.
If you have the rights to use this copy of Windows Xp Call Microsoft!!!!
Please don't post methods here to get around the activation system. Such discussion is not permitted. If you are having a problem activating a copy of Windows XP then you should call Microsoft using one of the numbers given in the Activation Wizard.
The method he posted is the way the Microsoft tells you how to do it, if your a network admin or whatever trying to do it programmatically.