I reinstalled Windows XP, entered Reg Key but Microsoft is prompting for me to either purchase or call manuf.?

Question

Is there any way around this, if I don't get my WIndows version activated will it stop functioning, do I really have to contact the manufacturer(Compaq)/HP?

Answer 1

It might not be going through the Internet or your noting putting the numbers and letters in correctly, double check to make sure you have it right. Otherwise if you call Microsoft they can activate for you, it wont cost you anything, minded that it's only installed on one computer with that key.

Answer 2

Make sure that the key is correct, if it isn't then:
1) someone at another computer has already used that key, and Microsoft is on it
2) Wrong key for wrong disc
3) Probably entered the key wrong

Calling the Microsoft Co could cost you some money, so make sure everything is checked out before spending $250 on a phone call.

Answer 3

If you're sure that you entered the key correctly, contact the manufacturer or Microsoft and they will be able to help you.

Answer 4

You have an illegal copy and will have to purchase a license.
Before you do try UBUNTU (or XUBUNTU if your computer has less than 256MB of RAM).

It's a free, reliable and up to date operating system.

You can explore it from the "LIVE CD".

It's easy to install and use. You can dual boot it with other operating systems.

Once you have it installed, you gain access to thousands of free programs created by the open source community. There is excellent support - see the WIKI starter guide, and the Linux forums.

Always back up your data before making changes to your computer.

Answer 5

just call the number. explain what is going on. as long as you have the orange sticker with the registration numbers on it that came with your xp disk or computer, (if it came with the computer it may be on a decal on the computer itself) they will activate it for you. it's not that big of a deal as long as your copy of windows is legal.