XP Activation
How
activation works
Product activation reduces a
form of software piracy that is known as "casual copying".
Casual copying is the sharing and installation of software that is not in
accordance with the software's end-use license agreement (EULA).
Product activation makes sure that each Windows XP license is installed
in accordance with the EULA and is not installed on more than the number
of computers that the license permits. Windows creates a unique
installation identification (ID) that is based on information from the
product ID and a hardware identifier that are created when you install
Window XP. To activate, use the Windows Product Activation wizard to
provide the installation ID to Microsoft over the Internet or your phone
line. The installation ID records an association of the product ID to
your computer and a confirmation ID is sent back to your computer to
activate Windows XP.
Activation is anonymous, and no personal information is required to
activate. The installation ID records an association of the product ID to
your computer and a confirmation is sent back to Microsoft. You can then
use the product key to install Windows on that computer an unlimited
number of times. However, if you want to install Windows on a different
computer with that product key, you may have to contact a Microsoft
customer service representative.
Activation is required in 30 days from the first day that you start
Windows XP. If you want to activate Windows on a day that is later than
the day that you install it, a Windows Activation icon appears in
the notification area. This icon periodically displays notifications to
remind you about how much time remains before you must activate. After
the 30 days has expired, you must activate Windows to continue using
Windows.
During activation, you can also register your copy of Windows. Product
activation is different from product registration because activation is
required and registration is optional. If you want to register Windows XP
by providing your name, e-mail address, and other contact information,
you can also choose to receive information about product updates and
other special offers.
Note Some original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and select
installations of Windows XP that use a volume license agreement are
pre-activated and require no additional steps to activate. To check your
activation status, click Start, point to All Programs,
point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
Activate Windows.
XP Activation:
To see if your copy of XP is
activated;
Type this into “Run” on your Start Menu to see if
your copy of windows is activated.
oobe/msoobe /a
See Bottom of page for help in finding
your product key:
Activation methods
You can activate your copy of Windows XP by using any
one of the following methods:
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Activate Windows XP by using the
Internet
If you use this method, the Windows Product Activation wizard
establishes a connection to the activation server, sends your
installation ID, and then processes the activation request.
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Activate Windows XP by using your modem
If you have a modem but you do not have an Internet connection, the
wizard detects your modem and establishes a connection to the
activation server through your phone line.
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Activate Windows XP by phone
If you do not have a modem or an Internet connection, you can activate
Windows XP by calling a Microsoft customer service representative. The
Activation Wizard displays the toll free number that you can dial.
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The
following sections in this article describe how to use each of these
methods.
How
to activate Windows XP by using the Internet
To activate Windows XP by using an Internet
connection, follow these steps:
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Click Start, point to All
Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools,
and then click Activate Windows.
Or, click the Windows Activation icon in the notification area.
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Click Yes, let's activate
Windows over the Internet now.
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Click Read the Windows Product
Activation Privacy Statement, click Back, and then
click Next.
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Use one of the following methods:
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If you want to register and activate
Windows at the same time, click Yes, I want to register and
activate Windows at the same time, click Read the
Windows Registration Privacy Statement, click Back,
click Next, type your contact information in the appropriate
boxes in the registration form, and then click Next. An
asterisk (*) appears next to required information.
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If you only want to activate Windows,
click No, I don't want to register now; let's just activate
Windows, and then click Next.
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The wizard establishes a connection
with an activation server, and then processes the activation request.
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When activation is completed and you
receive the following message, click OK:
You have successfully activated your
copy of Windows.
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How
to Activate Windows XP by Using a Modem
To activate Windows XP by using your modem, follow
the steps in this section.
Note The following steps are the same steps that are used to
activate Windows over the Internet in the "How to activate Windows
XP by using the Internet" section. If you have an Internet
connection and you want to activate over a modem, disconnect your
Internet connection before you follow these steps.
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Click Start, point to All
Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools,
and then click Activate Windows.
Or, click the Windows Activation icon in the notification area.
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Click Yes, let's activate
Windows over the Internet now.
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Click Read the Windows Product
Activation Privacy Statement, click Back, and then
click Next.
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Use one of the following methods:
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If you want to register and activate
Windows at the same time, click Yes, I want to register and
activate Windows at the same time, click Read the
Windows Registration Privacy Statement, click Back,
click Next, type your contact information in the appropriate
boxes in the registration form, and then click Next. An
asterisk (*) appears next to required information.
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•
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If you only want to activate Windows,
click No, I don't want to register now; let's just activate
Windows, and then click Next.
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The wizard establishes a connection
with an activation server, and then processes the activation request.
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When activation is completed and you
receive the following message, click OK:
You have successfully activated your
copy of Windows.
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How
to activate Windows XP by phone
To contact a Microsoft customer service
representative to activate Windows by phone, follow these steps:
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Click Start, point to All
Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools,
and then click Activate Windows.
Or, click the Windows Activation icon in the notification area.
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Click Yes, I want to telephone
a customer service representative to active Windows now.
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Click Read the Windows Product
Activation Privacy Statement, click Back, and then
click Next.
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Follow the steps in the Activate
Windows by phone dialog box, and then click Next.
Note The number appears now and differs based on the location
that you select.
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When activation is completed and you
receive the following message, click OK.
You have successfully activated your
copy of Windows.
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By
Telephone,
Choose
the second option:
It
should look like this:
Troubleshooting
If you cannot establish an online connection by using
your modem or an Internet connection, the wizard prompts you to contact a
customer service representative to activate your copy of Windows XP by
telephone.
Key Finder - Windows activation key
The Magical
Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your Product
Key (cd key) used to install windows from your registry. It has the
options to copy the key to clipboard, save it to a text file, or print it
for safekeeping.
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