Windows activation 30 days
- Thread starter crille
- Start date
Thanks, turned out their phone service still works.
great 
ClippyBeer
Moderator
Haha I'm actually surprised XP can still be legally activated!
I may be wrong but I believe activation procedure is for XP Home versions. The XP Pro version does not require any activation AFAIK.
no I have xp pro and it required activation the last time I did a new install, but it sailed right through because I saved out my files for activation:
Create the Activation Status
Navigate to system32 folder.
Copy the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files
Reinstall XP in the normal manner
Restart the computer and use the F8 key to bring up the Advanced Boot Options
Select Minimal Safe Mode using Up and Down Arrow Keys and press Enter.
Navigate to system32 folder.
Rename the existing wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files.
Copy the previously backed up wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files to the system32 folder.
Reboot the computer.
Create the Activation Status
Navigate to system32 folder.
Copy the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files
Reinstall XP in the normal manner
Restart the computer and use the F8 key to bring up the Advanced Boot Options
Select Minimal Safe Mode using Up and Down Arrow Keys and press Enter.
Navigate to system32 folder.
Rename the existing wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files.
Copy the previously backed up wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files to the system32 folder.
Reboot the computer.
ClippyBeer
Moderator
There was supposedly a corporate student/tech edition that was used for techs to practice installing XP. It required a CD KEY to install but did not require activation. I've never seen one in the wild and suspect that they are referring to the Windows XP Volume Licensing version that was provided to medium to large companies.
I never thought about it, but I should also save and back up those files in case I goof up my system ... wouldn't be the first time I caused it.
I backed up the wpa.dbl file, but I don't have a wpa.bak file and I've made sure to un-hide protected system files. I guess I should back up all those files now that I think of it in case.
Thank you; Elizabeth
wpa.bak is a backup file and you only need it if it has been generated at any time,
I installed Windows XP on a computer a couple months ago. When I tried to log into it a couple days ago it said I had to activate it before I could finish logging in. I have another computer that already has Windows XP activated on it. I have two copies of Windows XP Pro. That means all I have to do is figure out which Product Key is unused so I can activate this computer.
I had thought that someone said one time you could run Windows unactivated in a limited mode. I guess this is not true for Windows XP.
I had thought that someone said one time you could run Windows unactivated in a limited mode. I guess this is not true for Windows XP.
so copy the wpa.dbl file to the other unactivated computer, then see if that covers the activation.
I copied the wpa.dbl file from the other computer but it made no difference. I still get the message "This copy of Windows must be activated with Microsoft before you can log on. Do you want to activate now?". I am going to restore the original wpa.dbl file and try activating the normal way.
Like the other computer Internet activation and phone activation failed. My only other choice now is to call Microsoft support and have them go through the activation process with me. I will do this when I get a chance.
I finally got a chance to call Microsoft. Windows XP Pro is now activated.
I wish Internet or phone activation worked. I hate having to call Microsoft just to activate Windows.
Now I need to remember to backup my computer.
BTW, the first post by the OP asked what will happen if you don't activate Windows XP before 30 days. I found out because it happened to me. What happens is Windows won't let you log in until you do activate Windows.
I wish Internet or phone activation worked. I hate having to call Microsoft just to activate Windows.
Now I need to remember to backup my computer.
BTW, the first post by the OP asked what will happen if you don't activate Windows XP before 30 days. I found out because it happened to me. What happens is Windows won't let you log in until you do activate Windows.
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I believe I may have a CD like this because it says something to the effect of 'refurbisher use only' or something like that on it. I'm sure it's out there somewhere as an iso as well. It seems this cd will simply load and activate automatically.
Refurbishers sell used computers that I suspect many of whom come off lease by companies. They join the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program so they can buy discounted licenses from Microsoft for these computers. Microsof also requires these refurbishers to sell these computers with the media to reinstall Windows.
The Windows licenses from refurbishers have nothing to do with corporate or volume license versions of Windows.
What is Microsoft refurbished license?
The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program is Microsoft's program for refurbishers who refurbish at least 20,000 PCs per year and satisfy Microsoft's requirements for enrolment. Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers are the only organisations that Microsoft permits to buy licenses for refurbished PCs directly from them.
How do I activate my Windows 10 refurbished license?
From the Windows Settings page, select Update & Security. Select Activation from the menu on the left side. Choose Change Product Key on the Activation window. Where it says Enter a Product Key type in the key from the product key sticker - dashes will be entered automatically.
Resource Center – Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher
https://devicepartner.microsoft.com...ource-center-microsoft-authorized-refurbisher
Microsoft offers up new Windows XP license for refurbished PCs
https://www.engadget.com/2007-11-11...w-windows-xp-license-for-refurbished-pcs.html
Understanding the Different Windows XP Licenses
https://www.technibble.com/understanding-the-different-windows-xp-licenses/
While this may be the way it is supposed to work, it doesn't work this way in the real world as almost all refurbishers do not provide media, and only some provide even a COA anymore. And most refurbishers are using a media that is already preactivated (like the Dell CDs), so they can just install and go. In fact, many just clone the image since it's the same besides the drivers. I own a lot of refurbished machines and this is from my actual experience.