30 days left to activate -> Windows already activated. ???

[Jeff Stewart]

I have recently formatted a PC's hard drive (unstable system) and attempted
to reinstall Windows XP Professional OEM. I was not prompted for a product
key, and now, every time anyone logs on, a balloon appears on the taskbar
indicating that we have x days left to activate Windows. When we click the
balloon, the product activation wizard starts, and informs us, "This copy of
Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit."

I have attempted the procedure listed in Q328874
(http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874), but after
changing OOBETimer, the product activation wizard still indicates that
Windows is already activated. I am unable to get to the point where I can
click "Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to
activate Windows."

How do I prevent the product activation wizard from repeatedly prompting
users to activate?

 

[Rob Elder, MVP-Networking]

Are you running the msoobe file with a /A ?

 

[Jeff Stewart]

Are you running the msoobe file with a /A ?

Yes. Running it without the /a switch results in nothing happening at all.