Windows XP Home OEM Activation pops up after years of use.

[Guest]

This specific computer has a problem with activation. When you try to log in,
it asks something along the lines of "You must activate windows, would you
like to?" When I select yes, a Window pops up but two icons show up. The same
that show up when a picture doesn't load on the internet. Not the red x, just
the three shapes.

The owner says he's used this for years. The Administrator account was
disabled, though I doubt that would help me get anything done anyway.

 

[Guest]

Reboot your computer into "Safe Mode".
While in Safe Mode, rename the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files located in the
\Windows\system32 folder.

This will force activation on the following boot,
but should remove the message that you are already activated message.
Sometimes if these files get corrupted, they can cause this type of problem.

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Reboot your computer into "Safe Mode".
While in Safe Mode, rename the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files located in the
\Windows\system32 folder.

This will force activation on the following boot,
but should remove the message that you are already activated message.
Sometimes if these files get corrupted, they can cause this type of problem.

Please note that Microsoft has changed its OEM activation. You must phone
your local Product Activation phone number. You this phone number with the
"Activate by phone..." option.