parafoil

OK I’m unclear (because I haven’t done it yet) as to how to reinstall windows XP pro….
I registered my copy of Win XP when I first installed it in April, but when I format my harddrive and reinstall it won’t it say that my serial number is already registered?
Do I have to call Microsoft to get a new number or something and if I do whats the phone number?
I feel dumb asking but I have looked and looked on the internet and can’t find an answer………

R_one

After you've reformatted your hard drive and installed Win Xp, it'll ask for the key number and you'll have 30 days to activate it again. Once you activate it, you'll be fine. If for some reason it says that there is something wrong with the activation key, it'll give you a number to call and talk to a representative...who will then tell you to type in a long code.

micah67

You do have a license, right? When you re-register, you may be flagged and be told to call Microsoft (toll-free) and they sort you out over the phone. It's easy, painless, and quick.

You do have a license, right?

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parafoil

Yes I have one legit copy... Thanx for the info..........

hrdwareguy

You can reinstall the same version of WinXP on the same hardware up to 4 times in a year with no problems. Once you hit that limit, it won't register and you have to call Microsoft. The software gives you the number to call and it is toll free. Once you get a rep on the phone they ask if it's the first time you have installed. If you say "no", they ask why you are reinstalling, you say "because I reformatted my drive" and they will give you a code to type in.

Or, if you don't want to go through all that trouble, back up the "wpa.dbl" file from the \Windows\System32 folder. After you re-install the OS, copy this file back and you should be able to skip activation.

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saberyo

thanks for the "wpa.dbl" tip hrdwareguy.

that sounds like an ideal way!

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