Activation required after running SFC /scannow?

[Guest]

I was attempting to repair a friend's Dell, and tried running SFC /scannow to
replace some system files. When I was prompted for the Win XP Home
installation CD, I used a copy of XP Home that I own, since I didn't have my
friend's original. This was unsuccessful, and after rebooting I was prompted
to activate Windows XP. Some of the system files from my install CD must have
replaced some of the system files on my friend's computer, and now I can't
get into Windows unless I activate. If I get my friend's original copy of XP
Home, is there any way to undo the harm that I've done? Will I have to call
Microsoft to fix the problem?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll need to get your friend's CD and Product Key
and perform a "Repair Install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I was attempting to repair a friend's Dell, and tried running SFC /scannow to
| replace some system files. When I was prompted for the Win XP Home
| installation CD, I used a copy of XP Home that I own, since I didn't have my
| friend's original. This was unsuccessful, and after rebooting I was prompted
| to activate Windows XP. Some of the system files from my install CD must have
| replaced some of the system files on my friend's computer, and now I can't
| get into Windows unless I activate. If I get my friend's original copy of XP
| Home, is there any way to undo the harm that I've done? Will I have to call
| Microsoft to fix the problem?
| --
| Thanks,
| JPW

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Did you activate?
Try it.

Try sfc /scannow with the correct CD.
Otherwise perform a Repair Installation using the correct CD and
Product Key:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/repaxp.htm