Topic: Major XP problem (Read 1273 times)

Grim · « **on:** March 11, 2006, 08:32:18 am »

Hi there, i seem to have encountered a major problem that i don't know how to fix.

I was trying to reboot my computer in safe mode to remove a file that was on my desktop from a corrupt download, i ticked in msconfig.exe the wrong box, i selected Diagnostic startup, closed msnconfig.exe and let it restart my computer. As it was booting up i realised that i had ticked the wrong box and should of selected On the BOOT.INI tab, Check the "/SAFEBOOT" option.

The problem i now face is that when i start up windows it asks me to activate windows XP, i try to enter my existing key but it said it has been activated too many times already and that i need to enter a clean key.

I am worried this means i will have to buy a brand new copy of XP just to be able to use the Key, i am wondering if there is any work around this? i have a legal copy of windows xp that came with my system.

If i did buy a new copy of XP, would i be able to use that key or would i need to install the copy of windows then use the key?

Sirgod · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2006, 09:29:38 am »

I hate to tell you this Grim, but It sounds like you might just have to call Microsoft. ( I know I can't stand calling them either).

Stephen

Grim · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2006, 09:46:12 am »

The problem i believe i face is that windows XP was preinstalled on the system when i got my pc, i recieved a recovery cd which has windows etc on it, and i have a sticker with my product key on my computer. i believe this means i have an OEM copy of windows and not a windows retail product, therefore i am not sure if microsoft will help me.

I am wondering what to do, in that if i buy a retail copy of xp, i dont know how the activation process works, i.e. would the key be assigned to that copy of windows, meaning would i have to reformat the machine install that copy of windows then use that key? or just entering the key from a new copy will let me activate windows? then there is the issue that if my pc is indeed an OEM version of windows i dont know if a retail key would work either.

I would also prefer that i dont have to reformat.

Sirgod · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2006, 10:17:57 am »

IIRC you should be able to just add the new key. I'll admit, I've went and bought the same products before, simply because I detest talking to microsoft.

stephen

Grim · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2006, 10:22:42 am »

Well my cousin had a boxed new copy of xp laying around and the key works fine, so it looks like my problem is sorted.

Concerning Microsoft, yeah i have heard some real "horror stories" concerning their technical support.

Sirgod · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2006, 10:50:12 am »

Outstanding. Glad you got that worked out Grim.

Stephen

Midnight Tech · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2006, 06:17:40 pm »

I've tried an OEM key on a non-OEM version and vice-versa....the valid list of numbers for that version are somewhere inside the program....and those numbers definetely very from the versions.
Therefore that number *may* work on that machine, but I think I'd just *gasp* call MS about it.

The Bar-Abbas Anomaly · « **Reply #7 on:** March 18, 2006, 11:49:50 am »

If you have a Windows XP installation that was once activated, and the hardware hasn't changed (significantly) you can boot into Safe Mode, browse to the \Windows\System32 folder and look for two files called wpa.dbl and wpa.bak. Back them up to the desktop and then delete wpa.dbl and rename wpa.bak to wpa.dbl.

If you don't have those files (or don't have the backup) then you gotta call Microsoft and grovel....

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