I need help with XP

[Gizba]

When I installed Windows XP i didnt not register right away after I installed it.... Now I cant activate it..

I go to

Programs>accessories>system tools>activate windows

but it doesnt have activate windows in any folder

How do I activate now?

It will not let me download the service pack because it says I have an invalid cdkey

but I cant activate it... it doesnt even have the file for me to activate

[sparkles]

from what i remember of the activation thing it would prompt every time you rebooted after about a month.

if that is not happening now, then i would try contacting microsoft. there was the non-internet registration option which involved a toll free number (their website or the retail packing should have it). try ringing that and see if you can register it that way

[fatsanchez]

So basically you're using the cdkey beginning with FC, and are looking for a way to install the service pack.

this is not the place to ask.

[Antallica]

Yeah man, sounds like your using a 'naughty key' there... best not ask help about that one here man.

[TheChosen_1]

Invalid cd key is proberley saying to you, your either mis enetered it or you are using a bad key. This is not the place to ask if you are using a non legit key!!!!

[Disrespective]

Who says it's non legit?, maybe someone else took it from him before he could use it himself, and they are using it happily

[KingJackal]

Originally posted by Disrespective
Who says it's non legit?, maybe someone else took it from him before he could use it himself, and they are using it happily

That would require him to let somebody else see his key ( bad idea ). And a typo is unlikely, because AFAIK, none of the keys are only one or two characters different - they're all different enough that you can't typo one key and it becomes another.

[Grrr!!]

Most definately not a typo. All XP CDKeys have massive checksums and such to prevent this, and they are very different (as in at least 5 characters different each according to one website I read ages ago).

You didn't buy this of trademe or so second hand did you?

[fatsanchez]

unless he typed in the whole dodgy cdkey as a "typo", it has to be deliberate.

SP1 will install with any cdkey (dosent matter if its been activated or not), but one.

[Xakura]

just change the key to any other different ones and it should work :p If its legit, then just phone up microsoft and they will help you activate.