Windows xp activation key not working

Click "Apply" and reboot the PC. This How-to is intended to assist in recovering a PC from a faulty repair install. I don't condone piracy, but I also don't believe in locking a user from their data with faulty control mechanisms.

I was so hopeful, because this post added the permissions steps, but when I do as described, the login after saying "yes" to activation just shows the wallpaper forever. When I logged-on this next time, the expected Windows Activation screen greeted me and I was able to successfully activate! I used this method, and still get the wallpaper screen forever. I am working to recover an old computer which has had it's ethernet controller fail, as well as the internal wi-fi. I have attached a USB wi-fi adapter, and run the installation software in safemode.

When I reboot, I still get the "This copy of Windows must be activated with Microsoft before you can log on. Do you want to activate Windows now? Thanks, needed this today. It was getting critical. A new install would have taken days because of the support from a 3rd party vendor. It was a life saver!!!! God bless you, hope you'll not stop helping people!.. This just saved my life! Should have looked here first. Home Windows General Windows How-tos. General Windows. Last Updated: Jun 04, 2 Minute Read.

Reply Facebook Twitter Reddit LinkedIn. Juan Castano. Main Areas of Contribution:. Track Progress. Earn Credits. Step 2: Run Explorer from the Command prompt to start Windows. Although Microsoft is no longer supporting the OS still many users prefer using Windows XP more than the other operating systems available on the market. The problem of updates also persists but fame and satisfaction remain unrivaled. For the users of XP who want some kind of update the option of using the Serial XP product key is there so that they can get the updates and enjoy working with this OS.

If the user has the option of Serial XP in the system, then there is no need to worry. In the case of the former, there is no need to have a product key. The copy of Windows can be easily installed without using a key.

The latter on the other hand shows that the user has access to the retail edition of the Operating System. In this condition, it is very important to have a proper key if you want to install this Operating System. If there is no serial key or the source of installation is not original, then it would become really hard to find the product key. Microsoft is known for making use of several encryptions. It is an ordeal in finding the product key manually.

Hence, the user needs to check other options available for this purpose as well. The two popular alternatives in this regard are as follows:. Some users find it tough to decide which option is a must need for Windows XP. The creators have introduced it for both the options of bits that are 32 bits and 64 bits.

The choice depends upon the kind of processor which is either 32 bit or 64 bit. The operating system is chosen accordingly. For heavy jobs, the second option is preferable as the bit version gives better and larger memory. The user can enjoy the options of Windows XP Home and professional product keys. To use the most appropriate Windows XP product key the following steps are recommended. It is not a tough task to replace the product key after installing it on the system.

The process involves the following steps:. Run CMD as admin. Type these commands and press Enter. Then click OK on each of the following prompts: regsvr32 regwizc. Type this last command type exactly as what you see here : rundll Wait for a couple of minutes because the last command will not show anything on the screen. However, it will reset the licensing components in the background. Then restart your computer and log-on back to your normal Windows.

Not Helpful 46 Helpful From there you can give administrator rights and change or delete the current administrator. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3. Is there a limit to the number of times I can reset the loop?

Method 3 described above. I'd done it successfully 5 or 6 times, but now it is not resetting. There should be a limit. If it is allowing for more than four times, then it is a bug in Windows that is allowing you to reset it more often.

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 1. Use the telephone option. They will ask if you want to use your smartphone to activate it. Say yes and punch in the phone number. You will get a text message with a link.

Follow the steps and it will activate. Not Helpful 23 Helpful 9. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Since official support for Windows XP ceased in April of , you won't be able to speak to a customer service representative, and over the internet. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. The linked product keys may not work, in which case you should use the Winkey Finder to help activate Windows XP. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. Resetting the registry manually may only restore your Windows XP version to a 30 day trial.

Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1. You Might Also Like How to. How to. About This Article. Written by:. Co-authors: Updated: May 6, Categories: XP Instructions. Article Summary X 1. Deutsch: Windows XP ohne originale Lizenz aktivieren.

Nederlands: Windows XP activeren zonder geldige productcode. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,, times. The explanations were all very clear on what steps to take, and it was after going through Method 3 that all was back and working. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Is this article up to date?

Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Graeme Lloyd Jul 28, Lisa Rojas Apr 26, I just reinstalled XP on a small, old, but still useful netbook, and the OS refused to activate either by phone or over the internet.

This page was the only knowledgeable and successful provider of the info I needed. Thank a lot. Daniele Pais Jul 11, Despite having a genuine license I could not get it activated. I have just followed these steps and bingo..! Rob Hewitt Sep 26, Tried to activate with Microsoft, but no one seemed to be at home. Thank you so much. Robert Oak Sep 21, Followed steps of these instructions and XP activated without issue. Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories.

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