XP Activation question

[Guest]

I purchased a used computer that had Windows XP pre-installed (originally by
the manufacturer) and it is prompting to activate windows. I called
Microsoft to activate, and they confirmed the Software key was valid, but
they couldn't activate it. It seemed like the Installation ID Code that was
on the activation screen wasn't working or correct. They told me to contact
the manufacturer to see if they could turn off the activation screen somehow
or pay for Microsoft tech support. I contacted the Manufacturer, who of
course said they couldn't activate a Microsoft program. Any ideas or
suggestions of how to get this thing activated?

 

[Guest]

Microsoft activation numbers are from the product key,always found inside
the software package,if you have such a number,in the activation window,
select phone-line,call the "Activation line" 8885712048

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I purchased a used computer that had Windows XP pre-installed (originally by
the manufacturer) and it is prompting to activate windows. I called
Microsoft to activate, and they confirmed the Software key was valid, but
they couldn't activate it. It seemed like the Installation ID Code that was
on the activation screen wasn't working or correct. They told me to contact
the manufacturer to see if they could turn off the activation screen somehow
or pay for Microsoft tech support. I contacted the Manufacturer, who of
course said they couldn't activate a Microsoft program. Any ideas or
suggestions of how to get this thing activated?

If I bought a used computer, the first thing I would do with it would
be to reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea how the
computer has been maintained, what has been installed incorrectly,
what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be, etc. I
wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and problems,
possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend that anyone
else do either.