How to "RE"Activate Windows XP PRO?

[tokin]

Yes, I'm getting ready to reformat my computer pretty soon, and i hear you have to activate windows with your cd key. Well, it's been activated before and supposivly i have to REactivate it. I've called microsoft and the automated machine told me to type in that 20 digit code with the different groups. I did, and on the second group she denied me....yep she shut me out Anyways, that code is supposivly in the My Computer>Properties. So what in the world do i do now? Once i reformat i have 30 days to register or windows xp stops working...is there an option once i reformat to "Reactivate" maybe? Hope some of you wizzes can help me out

3 weeks till HL2 woo!

 

[Borealis]

When I re-installed my new mobo w/fresh xp install, I just ran the cd and it prompted me to click a buttom to re-activate windows. Was as simple as that. I clicked the button and life is good again.

 

[blahblahblah]

Yeah, just reinstall it and follow the instructions. I've reformated this computer I'm using now a good 5 times with Windows XP.

Worst case scenario is that you must call Microsoft. I've heard they are quite friendly over the phone.

 

[tokin]

Okay cool, ill just see if i can easily reactivate it after reformatting. I know when you reformat it makes a huge difference, but will it be much of a difference when playing HL2/CS:S? That is the main reason I'm doing this.

 

[poseyjmac]

depends on how much your original windows install was cluttered, but more than likely you'll gain some FPS.

 

[Malfunction]

I'm on XP Home, and recently I had to reformat. I don't remember anything about re-activating Windows...only a Pro thing?

 

[Hazar]

Use this if you need to.

 

[Asus]

YI've heard they are quite friendly over the phone.

You've only heard?

hehe
I've had to call em up about 5 times...
They ask for the key and then they ask how many computers this Key has been installed on. "Just this one, ma'am." :naughty:
No really. :angel:

Guess I've reinstalled too many times.

 

[tokin]

^^ Well, it was an automative machine asking the the digits and supposivly they were wrong, i tried the key in my system properties and in My Computer>Properties. I might be screwed once i reformat.

 

[BIG]

Unless you've installed about 3 or more times, you should be fine with the internet activation. If not - talk slowly to the microsoft computer you've had issues with. Working as a tech - annunciation was key with that stupid computer.

If all else fails, there are ways around that hurdle. It's not completely legit and I won't get into it here. Best of luck with the Microsoft reps...I always told them that I installed a new mobo.