BlackNapalm,
As long as you’re using the OEM key on the side of your computer, it’s a legal installation no matter what media you’re installing it from.
The most common reason for Windows XP to need to be reactivated is a
significant hardware change. You didn’t mention any new hardware though so I would assume that is not the issue. It’s actually not all that uncommon for Windows XP installations to have issues with activation after being reinstalled, especially on an older system.
Since this is a known issue, you’re not out of luck with getting it resolved.
This article from Microsoft provides information on how to fix such an issue. To make things easier, I’ve posted that information below.
1. Boot into "Safe Mode". To do this, turn the laptop on and press F8 as it is booting up. Go into "Safe Mode" by choosing the "Safe Mode" option.
2. Once you are at the desktop in "Safe Mode", Click "Start" then click "Run".
3. At the run command prompt type the following EXACTLY
rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupOobeBnk
*NOTE: The "Oo"'s in Oobe are "oh's" - not "zero's" There is one space after rundll32.exe. It is case sensitive as far as I know.
4. Click OK
5. Wait a few seconds - the screen may blip a few times or so.
This just reset Windows Activation for 30 days.
6. Reboot the PC into normal mode - log in - re-activate Windows.
This should resolve your issue of the recurring activation prompts.
One other thing to keep in mind is the Windows XP End of Support date which is coming up
on April 8, 2014. If you meet the system requirements, it is strongly recommended that users make the move to a modern operating system such as
Windows 7 or
Windows 8 by then.
Mike
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro
The Springboard Series on TechNet
Windows XP End of Support