Why isn't my OEM number working

[Mike]

I just purchased a computer from an individual. It came
with Windows xp installed. To get rid of his files that he
had stored on I reformatted it and reinstalled windows xp.
That is where my problem started the oem number I got with
the cpu works but will not let me register it and now i
have three days left to get it registered> any help would
be appreciated

 

[Kevin K]

Hi Mike,

There is more than one way to activate Windows XP, you may want to try
activating it by phone.

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 307890
HOW TO: Activate Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307890

 

[Roger Abell [MVP]]

The action you should take depends on why/how
"will not let me register it" actually happens.
Is it simply a matter of needing to use phone activation?

Many OEM do not require activation, as name brand
machines look to the BIOS to determine they should
be installed there.

You probably need to contact the party that sold to you
the system. Depending on why you are not allowed to
activate, there may be illegal software involved.