XP repair install w/ OEM OS disk

[Jim]

I have a Compaq notebook on which I had to do a repair
install of XP, at Compaq's instruction (had a missing or
corrupted boot-up system file). Looked like everything
worked OK, it asked for the product key, I entered it.
Got to the welcome screen with my 2 user buttons.
However, when I try to log in, a window appears that
says "This copy of Windows must be activated by Microsoft
before you can log on. Do you want to activate Windows
now?" Options are Yes and No. Clicking either option
logs off and returns to the welcome screen.
Compaq is no help, they want me to do a full system
restore. Microsoft says it's the OEM's problem, but will
help for $35. I am stuck. Any help or suggestions would
be greatly appreciated.

 

[Len Segal]

Jim,

Try to do a Repair Installation again.

 

[Guest]

Actually, I did. Same result. Thanks for the reply,
though.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jim;
Reboot to Safe Mode:
Reboot tapping F8 each second.
Select Safe Mode at the menu

Start/Run
Type "regsvr32.exe regwizc.dll" ENTER
Type "regsvr32.exe licdll.dll" ENTER

Reboot.
Activate

 

[Guest]

Many OEM's have modified the Windows installation to a greater or lesser
degree.

The majority also do NOT require activation - even though the request is
issued during the setup / initialisation process.

This is because the setup is modified and manages to interrogate the
hardware environment and will abort if not in the exact environment specified
- solves inappropriate reuse of the Operating System.

When you performed your 'repair install' was it actually the Windows repair
installation process or did you reimage the hard drive using a system
recovery CD?

One would generally find that activation will proceed and then you can
cancel the activation wizard, but it will not attempt to run again.

 

[Guest]

This was a repair install, not a re-install. My two user
buttons that I had set up display on the welcome screen.
And when logging in, my custom desktop appears (albeit
with no icons), then the activation message. As I said,
choosing either Yes or No returns to the welcome screen,
with no further options.

 

[Guest]

Well, this didn't work. Same window, same result.
Thanks to all for their help.