Windows XP Activation Error

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I know what you're all thinking, "he must be trying to install an illegitimate version of Windows." I actually wish that was the case, but unfortunately it is not. My situation is that I added a new drive to my computer and due to XP's habit of checking hardware to maintain it's on the same computer (explained) it tipped the scale and is forcing me to re-activate. This is normally not a problem as I've had to reactivate before for some reason or another. The problem is that when I attempt to open the activation program, it shows up as blank. With a little searching I found that it is a documented problem, so I followed all the steps on the Microsoft support page (well up until the last two but I'll get to that) and it still hasn't succeeded. I then went to try the last two steps where you re-install the ootb.inf file located in the registry, but it requires me to place a copy of Windows XP SP2 in the drive. The first problem I have is that I can't find my XP disk (yeah, I know I should've looked after it, but in 3+ years I've never used it), the second is that it is vanilla XP-- not SP2-- so I am not even sure if it will work. Lastly, I'm afraid that it may involve reformatting the drive (haven't looked into it yet). As I have three days to re-activate, I'm scrambling to find my disc, but am also looking for other options. I know that it is a problem that would be hard to help me with, but if any of you computer savvy members have help, or advice it would be greatly appreciated... and please, no down with M$, this is the first problem I've had with it.

 

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&x=11&y=12&prid=3219&gprid=37013

 

Remove Windows Genuine Advantage (.exe, 13.5kb). I once had a similar problem

 

When I use the program Stu listed it brings up an error with this message, "Microsoft WGA Notification System is not currently active on your computer." After trying the suggested tips (found another site that had IE7 as the problem as well, but I don't have that) I think my course of action is to start moving my important files to my parents PC. Then just re-install Windows and restore everything from there.

Edit: I found my XP key and then borrowed a disk from a friend. Does anyone know if a SP2 disk will work with a vanilla code? I think it should, but Microsoft tends to work in mysterious ways.

 

It seems that it doesn't, since my product key isn't working... D'oh. I think I'll download an .iso of vanilla XP. I know it's not right, but I'm using my own serial code, so it shouldn't be a big deal.

 

If you can still run windows to some extent you can suss out the key you used to originally install windows using a program like this (.exe 481kb). It might be worth checking it against the one on the box.

 

vanilla code?

 

Vanilla code was with no service packs, though as it turns out my code was for a SP1 install...

I ended up doing the wrong thing, but at least I tried My friend's dad let me use one of the activations for his business product key, what a nice guy.

 

I find it amusing that anti-piracy systems force people to pirate what they were made to protect.

 

I find it terrible that sites that upload copywright things force gamemakers to do desparate things. They let us jump trough holes just to stay in business on the pc platform, the selfish bastards. Or microsoft to pester users when they find out that the number of illegal copies cannot be counted, while we use the price as excuse.

A friend of mine bought an 8800gtx the day it came out, but did not buy his games. But this is getting way of topic.

 

BTW isn't this a US only thingy?

 

No...

 

I posted this question on the hardware forum I am a memeber of. After a few reacitions a system builder showed up and said the following: The last series of oem version where of a batch called sp2c, the previous version b. He can install a slipstreamed version whit service pack 3 but must use the b code for the b batch, and the c code for the c batch. The second thing is that a lot of codes have been disabled.

This explains why sometimes it works and sometimes not. it also give us people who build ourselves a problem when we use oem versions. I wonder if finding your disk solves the problem.

 

I have gotten this error before too. What I did to resolve the issue is I went to the Microsoft website and did the activation through their website; I had to reboot for the system to finally activate.