my brother in law recently upgraded my pc to windows xp but now i have to activate it?

Question

My pc keeps asking me for an activation code and i havent got one and neither has my brother in law .. he just had the upgrade disc.
does anyone know where i can get an activation code from? i only have 11 days left to do it.

Answer 1

It comes with the program when you buy it. If you did not purchase the program, go back to your old OS. Buying XP is a waste right now. Windows Vista (the new OS) will be out at the end of the year.

Answer 2

Yes. Just click the icon in the task bar that says you need to activate it. It will come up with a wizard that will guide you through the steps. If it tells you during the activation that you have activated too many times and to call microsoft, just do it it takes a while but isn't too big of a hassle. They will ask you for a long number which will pop up on you screen, they will ask you some questions, just give the right answers.
Q. Why are you activating
A. I had a virus and had to reformat

Q.How many computers is it currenly installed on
A. One.

After that is done they will give you a code to type in. Enter that code and all will be well.

Answer 3

The activation code comes from Microsoft itself. You have to contact them to get a validation code by proving you have purchased Windows. It's their way of preventing Pirated copies of Windows from functioning after the allotted time.

Answer 4

I know that some versions don't require the product key for activation (maybe you are trying to register as well which isn't necessary?). The product key should be on the wallet, case or box for the installation/upgrade disc.

Answer 5

Just go through the wizard to activate it. Tell it to just activate (not to register) and you should be fine. Make sure you are on the internet when you do it.