Unable to activate xp

GeoffAtkins technically correct, although there was an out of band update this year, and also for Window Server When the Navy stops using it, then it dies.

My machine had already expired so I could only get into safe mode, which wouldn't let me run the OOBE tool. I had to reset the clock using rundll Update, it doesn't seem to be permanent. Show 6 more comments. BruceHill BruceHill 1 1 gold badge 3 3 silver badges 9 9 bronze badges. Please be cautious!!! Whatever this does, this might be illegal software even maleware I haven't tried yet. You should describe in detail what the link does. I find it strange, if there is something wrong with this activation link, that it was posted on the Microsoft forum almost a year ago without any moderators issuing any warning about it.

I just used this method and the activation code that was generated activated my copy of Windows XP. This is a legit link. If you call the activation number found in your product, they'll offer to text you a shortlink: m. This works fine to activate Windows XP via the 'telephone' method as of April Add a comment. Regarding failure of online activation, did you check the date on the system? I activated Windows XP on an old machine one week ago. This post does not answer the question.

The OP is claiming that online activation does not work, he is assuming this is a server problem, but it's equally possible it's a client problem, especially as others are reporting succesful activations.

Additionally, updates may be required due to server-side encryption changes. I wonder if different installation images use different activation servers. I would like to try an image on the machine in question which has prooved to have a working online activation on a different machine. Doesn't work on my build installation. But why would it? It simply deletes a registry key. If it had been that simple I have used the very original installer iso and burned it to cd.

But I cannot understand, why deleting a registry key and changing product code as the above script would cause it to be activated.

Show 2 more comments. Justin M. Justin 9 9 bronze badges. There are still phone numbers for all countries as I stated in my answer. It's not only the German number provided during the installation process that doesn't work any more, in some installations out there the US number does not work any more either but it's good to know that some of the numbers still work, so it's worth a try.

What number did you use? I'm curious, if your number still works, why did you search for a way to activate Windows here on Superuser? Albin It was the toll-free U. I added it to my answer. Albin I tried the online activation first, it didn't work, so I searched for a solution to that before deciding to try the phone activation route.

To skip registration, select "No, I don't want to register now; let's just activate Windows". Wait for Windows to activate. As long as you have an internet connection the wizard will automatically connect and activate your copy of Windows. Contact Microsoft if necessary. If you have used your Windows XP product key on a different computer or installed new hardware, you may be prompted to contact Microsoft by phone. This is a step required by Microsoft to prevent piracy.

As long as you are not violating your license, you should have no problem getting the support rep to activate your account. Go to source You will be asked by the support rep to provide the "installation ID", which can be found on the activation wizard screen. After providing the installation ID, Microsoft will verify and will provide you with the code you need to enter to activate Windows. Method 2. If you don't have broadband internet or a dial-up modem, you can activate your copy of Windows XP over the phone.

You may be prompted to enter your character product key before you can proceed with the activation process. Choose the phone option. Select "Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows now.

Select your region. Microsoft provides local numbers for most areas, or toll-free numbers that you can call from anywhere. Use the drop-down menus to select the number that is best for you.

Select the language of your choice. English is usually the second language offered, which is number 2 on the dial pad. Select the product you want to activate. In our case, we want to activate a Windows XP, so push number 1 on the dial pad.

Call Microsoft and provide the 54 digit "installation ID". Use the provided number to contact Microsoft. You will be asked by the rep to provide the 54 digit "installation ID". This is displayed on the same screen as the phone numbers. Enter the 35 digit code the rep gives you. After verifying your installation ID, the support rep will give you an activation code.

Enter this code into the boxes at the bottom of the window to finish activating. Method 3. Know when to do this. Sometimes when you're re-installing Windows with non-standard hardware, you may not be able to access Windows in order to activate. You'll get a message that you must activate in order to proceed, but you can't connect to the internet and the "installation ID" is not generated. If this happens to you, you'll need to use Safe Mode to fix your drivers and activate Windows.

Boot into Safe Mode. You'll need to fix the problems with your device drivers. This will allow you to either get an internet connection or generate an installation ID so that you can activate over the phone. Reboot your computer and rapidly strike F8 as it boots up.

This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select "Safe Mode" from the list of options. Download the necessary drivers on another computer.

You'll likely need to download the drivers on another computer. Windows XP Safe Mode disables program installation, so you'll need the actual driver files, not an installer.

Determine the piece of hardware that isn't working. This will load the Device Manager. Look for items that have a "! These are the pieces of hardware that require drivers. Visit the manufacturer's support site on another computer. If you are using a laptop or pre-built desktop, you should be able to find all of the drivers you need in one spot. Thanks for your feedback. The OEM license from the failed computer can't be transferred from where it was originally installed and activated.

Retail Operating System License, that you buy and install yourself, are allowed to be transferred to another machine. I'm using windows xp in a Win 10 virtual window and can't activate it - I've tried online suggestions and phone activation but so far nothing has worked.

This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. I have the same question