Reinstalling Windows XP Pro

  • Thread starter Thread starter SpartanKathy
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SpartanKathy

I recently reinstalled Windows XP (SP1) on a friend's computer, a clean
install on a different hard drive. When he tried to activate XP, he
got a message that the key was invalid. Apparently he had reinstalled
XP "once or twice" before (I'm not sure exactly what he did -- he isn't
sure). Windows loaded fine, to the logon screen. Problem is, it
requires a password for each user. He has never set a password, has
tried a few generic ones with no result.

At this point, can he call Microsoft to activate Windows? If so, does
any one have the number?

Kathy
 
I take it that you are saying: your installation succeeded and you were
able to logon; thereafter activation was attempted and failed; thereafter
the activation grace period expired and/or for some unknown reason logon now
fails. If this is more or less the case, perform a repair install; logon
and attempt activation. If activation fails, the wizard tells you the phone
number to call. See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/330136/en-us

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP
 
SpartanKathy said:
*I recently reinstalled Windows XP (SP1) on a friend's computer, a
clean
install on a different hard drive. When he tried to activate XP, he
got a message that the key was invalid. Apparently he had
reinstalled
XP "once or twice" before (I'm not sure exactly what he did -- he
isn't
sure). Windows loaded fine, to the logon screen. Problem is, it
requires a password for each user. He has never set a password, has
tried a few generic ones with no result.

At this point, can he call Microsoft to activate Windows? If so,
does
any one have the number?

Kathy *
Click to expand...

Is this a "legal" copy of windows? (i.e.) store bought retail, oem?
 
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