fresh install of XP pro on a new hardrive but cant activate window

[Guest]

ok i installed winXP pro on a new RAID array in my PC repalcing my older and
problematic harddrive the problem is when i go to activate windows it wont
let me saying it has been activated to many tiems with this CD key and refers
me to where i can buy anouther CD key

i have formatted and wiped my hardrive a few times and
reinstalled/reactivated windows on this machine but do i really need to buy a
new CD key. the broken harddrive has the winxp install folder intact is
there any way i can move whatever registration folders over to the working
installation?

any help would be appreciated

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

You may have to contact MS by 'phone if you are getting that error message,
but please see if the following article helps:

"Windows Product Activation (WPA) on Windows XP"
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

--


Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

 

[Guest]

ok i called in and got it activated

just for future reference do i have to do this same process everytime i have
to reactivate windows from now on?

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

I'll have to check for you. That error message normally appears not because
it has been activated too many times, but because of the time between
activations. However, as I say, I will have to check that.

--


Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

 

[ken scharf]

Hi

I'll have to check for you. That error message normally appears not because
it has been activated too many times, but because of the time between
activations. However, as I say, I will have to check that.

I've heard that MS will 'retire' an installation key if they think it
may have been 'pirated' (boot leg copies of windows using that key).
I had the problem myself, but if you call they do seem to come up
with a new key that works for you. (In my case it may have
also been that the key on the sticker got smudged and I miss-read it.)