OS not registered.....but it is....?

[NewsGroupQuestion]

As a result of Explorer not running, I chose to reinstall XP on my Dell
laptop using the original media provided.

Now, I cannot do anything as I am told that the OS is not registered.

When I call Microsoft and submit my details, I'm told that I'm already
registered.

How do I resolve this?

 

[Andrew Murray]

Registered or Activated?

These are two different things. Activiation (of Windows) is compulsory for
continued use after the first 30 days of use to continue using Windows;
Registration is optional - registration gives you other benefits like
newsletters, product updates and all that jazz.

 

[NewsGroupQuestion]

Registered or Activated?

These are two different things. Activiation (of Windows) is compulsory
for continued use after the first 30 days of use to continue using
Windows; Registration is optional - registration gives you other benefits
like newsletters, product updates and all that jazz.

Understood. The product was activated and registered originally but now it
won't load, starting with a message to say that it isn't activated when it
is!

 

[kenkcj]

You reinstalled Windows it removed the activation on that computer so it
will need to be re-activated. Once again, it IS registered because a
registration never expires but any fresh install of Windows requires a brand
new activation, whether that key has been activated before or not. If you're
connected to the internet there should be a link that says "Activate Now" or
the sort. Or you may have to call up a phone number provided and give them
an installation ID and they will give you an authorization code in order to
get Windows activated and back up and running.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Understood. The product was activated and registered originally but now it
won't load, starting with a message to say that it isn't activated when it
is!

No, it's not. Activation creates a file on your computer. When you
reformatted and reinstalled, you lost that file, and it is no longer
activated.

Simply activate again. If it's been more that 120 days since last
activation, it should work over the internet just as it did the first
time. If fewer than 120 days, internet activation will fail, and
you'll be given an 800 number to call. When you call, be sure to talk
to them about "activation," not "registration." The call normally
takes less than five minutes.