Activation not working

[Larry]

I have a 2 year old machine that I had to restore using
the manufacturer's cd's. i installed the windows xp
using the operating system restore cd's and have tried in
vain to activate it but for one reason or another nobody
(not at compaq or microsoft) can figure out why the
activation codes won't work. Instead of buying a new
box, can anyone tell me the cheapest microsoft product
that i can buy that will give me an activation code that
will allow this computer to work. Can I go to Office
Depot and buy Windows XP Home Upgrade for $99, open the
box and use that activation code? Would I have to
install the CD's that come with that product thereby
overwriting everything that is on the computer now? Is
there a cheaper way to get an activation code that would
be accepted by this machine? I have spoken to Microsoft
over the phone and they can't figure it out either but
won't just give me an activation code (if that was
possible) to make it work so I have to try something
else. Any ideas. The kids have lots of games on this
machine and we were planning on using it over the winter
break.

 

[Larry]

-----Original Message-----
I have a 2 year old machine that I had to restore using
the manufacturer's cd's. i installed the windows xp
using the operating system restore cd's and have tried in
vain to activate it but for one reason or another nobody
(not at compaq or microsoft) can figure out why the
activation codes won't work. Instead of buying a new
box, can anyone tell me the cheapest microsoft product
that i can buy that will give me an activation code that
will allow this computer to work. Can I go to Office
Depot and buy Windows XP Home Upgrade for $99, open the
box and use that activation code? Would I have to
install the CD's that come with that product thereby
overwriting everything that is on the computer now? Is
there a cheaper way to get an activation code that would
be accepted by this machine? I have spoken to Microsoft
over the phone and they can't figure it out either but
won't just give me an activation code (if that was
possible) to make it work so I have to try something
else. Any ideas. The kids have lots of games on this
machine and we were planning on using it over the winter
break.
.
I called Microsoft just a few minutes ago and spoke with

a very nice lady who worked with me and Technical Support
to generate a new Product key number which then allowed
her to give me a new installation number. We got cut off
during the conversation and I know that there is no way
to get her back on the line. So, if any of you work for
Microsoft, thanks very much for handling the problem over
the phone. Merry Christmas