I can't re-activate Windows XP due to non-genuineness

[Advice Pro]

I tried to re-activate XP on my PC and even though the automated machine recognized the numbers by giving me a ding after every group, it said that my copy of Win. isn't genuine. How can this be, and how might I re-activate XP or, at least, recover my files on the HDD?

 

[wanamingo]

Call micro$oft and talk to a real person, usually if your nice enough and explain what you were doing the will re-activate your license.

 

[hang-the-9]

How did you get your XP copy? Retail Box, come with the computer, bought off a street corner for 5 bucks, ebay, craigslist?

Many setups of XP were done using pirated keys, even by "professionals".

 

[Advice Pro]

Came with the computer

 

[tigsounds]

So for you, the original source of the program is questionable,

unless you bought it new with Windows installed.

 

[Advice Pro]

I meant that it came installed on the HDD.

 

[hang-the-9]

Came with the computer

If it came with the computer, and the PC was from a major vendor like Dell, Gateway, HP, etc..., you should have an OEM sticker on the side of the PC with the code. Explain that you re-installed the OS on the computer and you need to re-activate the code. Note that this is only valid for a genuine key, if the PC was a used one or one that someone built for you, they could have used an illegal copy of a key, in which case you need to get the resolution from wherever you got the PC or buy an XP license