OK - I've got a second hand PC I'm using, with an original XP installed (I don't have CD or key since its second hand) Now I've hit the Windows activation problem (after using the pc for almost a year with no hint of it...) I use a keyfinder program to find the product key for my XP and then enter it into the activation window. But now is says that my key is unauthorized. And I can't get my xp running. Is there any help to be had with this problem? I'm using xp home edition with SP2. or do I have to reisntall it from another version. And where can I get that since it seems XP isn't sold anymore...? many thanks for any, and I do mean any, helpful tips. Daeds
check the back of your computer.the key may be stuck there ie.a label.you can still purchase xp.try your computer store or even ebay.if you have your key you can always have your computer store burn you an xp disk.
XP is still for sale new,OEM for instance or in my case we have NZ's equivelant to ebay,where people flog stuff off & new retail copies can be had so it's not that hard to find,you can also get 2nd hnd copies but unless it's a retail upgrade or a full retail version & not OEM then 2nd hnd would'nt be a good idea for activation hassles Chances are an update from ms caused it or there were hardware changes made,you could try "system restore" as if that would work but it's worth a try,as mentioned check for xp sticker with key on it on rear of machine or wherever it SHOULD've been put,or you could ring ms support & give the key number to reset activation count,regardless of what route you take when you're ready to activate meake sure you have all the stuff like new hardware etc already installed,then activate it,after that get an imaging software like acronis or ghost,create an image of c drive & you'll never have to reactivate again
The Pc is a home made custom setup so no key label at the back of the tower. Also the only hardware change I have made since getting it has been to replace the PSU. As I have several unique ID keys that are intergrated into XP (online bank, digital signature, government social ID and so on) that don't have seperate files Í can save - reisntalling XP is the very very very very last option! Also means that I have to reinstall all my games and programs. Upgrading to Vista is out since it won't run more thatn a third of my games and programs and is slow as hell. Isn't it possible if all else fails to purchase just a license for WInXP? I mean if I can't get it to work or get Customer service to get me through it.
get on the irc and ask for me XD I can probably fix that problem for you for how to get there look at the "where from" on my profile page :lol: BTW.. I can't believe anybody is daft enough to do online banking from a windows machine... waaaaaayyyyy too insecure and liable to be exploited to ever trust with that kind of information !!!
