Why can't I activate Windows XP?

Thank you for this article, Mr. Notenboom. I`ve done everithing like you mentioned in your article and i activated windows. (PS. sorry about my bad english)

Hi,
I have the same problem (Not got the original Dell CD) but when using another WXP installation disk the activation with the nine six digit numbers did not work. Just said you may be subject of counterfeiting. Tried Dell and they cannot help. Have not found a technical number for Microsoft in the UK yet but I will and see what happens. I don't have the key for the CD installation. Still got 30 days!!!

Install Service Pack 3 in Safe Mode - download onto flash drive from another computer and then use flash drive on the computer you want to activate.

When it asks if you'd like to go ahead (some babble about might not work) - say yes. Takes a while so be patient.

Restart Windows - you will get in - reactivation nag is now in System Tray. You should also have an Activation ID now.

It worked for me.

Leo said he needs to use a different key. He needs use the OEM key from Dell. It should be on the machine itself. Some Dell systems use a special restore partition, which might of be deleted when he put Linux on the system. The original key should work. It is possible the OEM key from dell got compromised and could be on the blacklist. Once, xpsp 3 support totally ends. This problem should go away, because Microsoft is suppose to issue a patch to by-pass the activation requirement(s).

I think I know the solution for the problem of the non-apprearing computer ID:

A weak CR2032 battery (= the flat round one that is on the motherboard).

If that battery is weak then some mobo features get turned on and off intermittently (even while Windows runs) and hence
1) Windows complains about activating again (since mobo features changed)
and
2) cannot calculate the ID

Simply replace your mainboard battery. This is how I fixed it.

New disk in old PC. Used original install disk and key from label. Initially did not show "Installation ID". Followed your advice - safe mode - install network driver - reboot - GUI does not activate online (can't find activation server) but now shows an "Installation ID" - I telephone the MS activation number and key in the code it provides - GUI says activated OK. Then asks me to log in again - prompts again for activation - GUI shows activated OK - can't get out of this loop ....!!!!!

Had a similar issue except we configure the network to a private manual IP address. Unfortunately the person didn't activate Windows.

After 30 days Windows won't let you log in to reconfigure the network to the default. So no activation.

I'm hoping by reinstalling the drivers this will reset the network settings to the default.