activate windows

[J]

i have recently re-installed windows xp on my dell. the
problem is that i went on a trip and i forgot to activate
windows, so when i returned, the thirty day "grace
period" has expired. i dont have an internet
connectiontion, and when i tried to contact microsoft to
activate windows, my computer kept giving me non-existant
#s. im pretty desperate for help and at this point oppen
to any suggestions.
ill welcome any responces...

-J

 

[Papa]

If it is a retail copy of XP, contact Microsoft. If OEM, contact the
computer manufacturer. AFAIK those are your only choices - other than just
buying another copy.

 

[Greg R]

Not your only choice. You can try this

This was from a Microsoft website, but I modified for home and pro
users.

Start xp in Safe Mode F8
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
In the left pane, locate and then click the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current
Version\WPAEvents

In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
Change at least one digit of this value to deactivate Windows.

Reboot normally. Activation Screen may pop-up.

Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to
activate Windows, and then click Next. Click Change Product key.
Type the same product key you use to install windows xp in the New key
boxes, and then click Update. If you are returned to the previous
window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer

Activation Screen may pop-up.

Activate Windows.
Restart Computer
Check to see if windows is activated
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK.
%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
Click OK.

Xp Oem preinstalled systems may not activate. So repeat above, then
use the product key on the back of your system instead. Then
Activate.

Greg R
Excerpts were from this page but modified for the home & pro users
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;328874