XP looses activation?

BlackNapalm

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Aug 6, 2013
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I reinstalled Windows XP on a Dell Dimension B110, and every couple of weeks, it asks me to activate windows, even though I already activated it. How do I get rid of this problem?
 
Solution
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...
That is NOT a legal copy of Windows XP. That means A) your using a Dell CD but NOT from a Dimension B110, B) That key used is NOT for a Dell Dimension B110, C) your using a Corp key that is ONLY valid for a Corp NOT personal use (aka the company that gave it to you revoked your license).

As that is a 7 year old computer and SORELY out of date, plus the cost of purchasing Windows is $179+, my LEAST COSTING suggestion is to just get a new i3Core PC from Walmart.com for about $249, easy peasy. Comes with Windows, new LCD, keyboard, Mice, a nice simpel core, about 8GB memory, and around 500GB of space.
 

BlackNapalm

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I don't understand how its not a legal copy. I took the OEM key that was on the side of the Dell, how would that get revoked or not be used for it?
 

WinOutreach6

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Apr 10, 2013
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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
 
Solution



Mike,

I think your mistaking whom the audience is your addressing, Consumers (the 99.999% posting to TH) are the MAINSTREAM support, which ENDED in 2009. EXTENDED support is ONLY for Businesses, aka Corporations, whom (last i was told by our Corp MS Rep) cost Around $10-15K to open a Support Issue, then be passed to the Engineering team to assess on the Project Costs to actually provide the solution, usually around $100-500K was common.
When you state support is ending, that would be ONLY for Businesses, not the common person here is not asking for support on.
 

BlackNapalm

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thanks for the info guys, since there was no hardware changes, i'm guess that means a piece of hardware is dying.
just to ease some concerns, this computer is mainly used for the POS system, nothing else, so windows support isn't a big deal for me
 

WinOutreach6

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Apr 10, 2013
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Tom,

You are correct that mainstream support for Windows XP ended and Extended Support started in 2009. That information as well as lifecycle information for other Microsoft products can be found on the Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet.

However, Windows XP End of Support is scheduled for April 8, 2014. At this time, extended support will end for both consumers and small to large scale enterprises alike.

From the Windows XP End of Support page:

“What does end of support mean to customers?
It means you should take action. After April 8, 2014, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates.”

This applies to all users actively using Windows XP SP3. It also applies to users still on Office 2003. No matter what type of user you may be, end of support is imminent. This is the reason that all users are encouraged to upgrade to a modern operating system such as Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 (when it becomes available).

A visit to the Windows Compatibility Center can help users see which of the most popular applications and devices will work with the various versions of Windows.

The Springboard Series on TechNet is also a great resource for IT Professionals to help with operating system deployments.

I hope this helps to clear up any confusion about who Windows XP End of Support affects. If there are any other questions, my team and I will be happy to answer them for you.

Mike
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro
 
Well looking at the WHY? states "As per this policy, Microsoft Business and Developer products, including Windows and Office products, receive a minimum of 10 years of support (5 years Mainstream Support and 5 years Extended Support), at the supported service pack level." As this states, this policy of 5 years Extended Support is only towards Microsoft Business and Developer products, not 'All Microsoft Products' or 'Microsoft Business, Consumer and Developer products'. This omission is Business Speak way to say something without saying it (Consumers your not supported so we are ignoring you).

Further under the HOW? ONLY Enterprise Customers and Small to Medium Business (SMB) are addressed, again no solutions provided to the Consumers. So this is why I came across as "don't tell consumers on TH they still got support when they don't". Just because MS may put a patch, hotfix, etc. on the website for "Enterprise Customers and Small to Medium Business" obligations, that Consumers can also download as well, doesn't mean that Consumers support is still ACTIVE till April 8, 2014. That is a disingenuous inference your making, Mainstream support ended and Consumers need to move on to the new product line is just the fact.