"Windows must be reinstalled to activate"

[drew]

When I boot my computer, I'm getting a message that says "Windows must be
reinstalled to activate. Insert the Windows installation DVD or CD into your
computer to begin the reinstallation process."

I do not want to reinstall Windows because it is already installed and
configured the way I want it, and has been working just fine for months.
Prior to this error, I had been having memory problems, so I was alternately
removing my two memory modules to determine which one is the problem. Now
Windows won't boot with either of them installed, or both.

How do I fix this without reinstalling Windows?

 

[Ian D]

When I boot my computer, I'm getting a message that says "Windows must be
reinstalled to activate. Insert the Windows installation DVD or CD into
your
computer to begin the reinstallation process."

I do not want to reinstall Windows because it is already installed and
configured the way I want it, and has been working just fine for months.
Prior to this error, I had been having memory problems, so I was
alternately
removing my two memory modules to determine which one is the problem. Now
Windows won't boot with either of them installed, or both.

How do I fix this without reinstalling Windows?

If you Google the error message you will see a lot of info about it,
with potential fixes.

 

[drew]

I did that first...and visited several of the results and none of the advice
I found was worth anything.

 

[AJR]

If you computer does boot after posting the message - open system
properties - select the option to change the product key - type in the
original key and try activation.

 

[drew]

It does not allow me to access to Windows at all. The dialog with the
message just has a 'close' button, and the system logs off and the same
message reappears. It never goes to the desktop.