To take full advantage of Windows XP, you must activate it using your Windows XP product key. If you have an internet connection or a dial-up modem, you can activate it with just a few clicks. You can also contact Microsoft and get an activation code if you don't have an internet connection. If you believe that Windows XP cannot be activated, there are ways you can bypass the activation request message.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Activating Windows XP over the Internet
Step 1. Make sure that you have an internet network connection
The easiest way to activate Windows is to connect your computer to Microsoft via the internet. Microsoft will verify that your product key is valid and then send you an activation code.
If you don't have internet access, click here to activate it by phone
Step 2. Start the Activation wizard
You can start by clicking the Activation icon in the System Tray. You can also do this by clicking Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows.
Step 3. Enter the product key if you haven't already
You may be asked to enter a 25-character product key before continuing.
If you don't have a product key, click here
Step 4. Select "Yes, let's activate Windows over the Internet now"
Windows will try to contact Microsoft via your network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). If no network adapter is detected, Windows will look for a dial-up modem.
Step 5. Read the privacy statement and decide if you want to register
Registration is not mandatory, and now that Windows XP is no longer supported, there is no reason for you to do so. To skip registration, select "No, I don't want to register now; let's just activate Windows".
Step 6. Wait until the Windows activation process is complete
As long as the computer is connected to the internet, the wizard that runs will connect the computer with Microsoft and activate your copy of Windows automatically.
Step 7. Contact Microsoft if necessary
If you have used your Windows XP product key on another computer before or if you installed a new device, you may be asked to contact Microsoft by telephone. This step is required by Microsoft to prevent piracy. As long as you don't abuse your license, you should have no trouble activating your account.
- You will be asked from Microsoft's helper to provide an "installation ID" (installation ID), which can be found in the Activation wizard screen.
- After providing the installation identity, Microsoft will verify, then provide a code that you must enter to activate Windows.
Method 2 of 4: Activating Windows XP by Phone
Step 1. Start the Activation wizard
If you don't have a broadband Internet connection or dial-up modem, you can activate your copy of Windows XP over the phone. You can start the wizard by clicking the Activation icon in the System Tray, or by clicking Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows.
Step 2. Enter the product key if you haven't already
You may be asked to enter a product key of 25 characters before you can proceed to the activation process.
If you don't have a product key, click here
Step 3. Select the option to use the phone
Select "Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows now."
Step 4. Select the area where you live
Microsoft provides local numbers for most areas, or free phone numbers you can call from anywhere. Use the drop-down menu to select the number that best suits you.
Step 5. Select the language you want to use
English is usually the second option offered, and you can choose it by pressing the "2" button on the phone.
Step 6. Select the product you want to activate
In this case, what needs to be activated is Windows XP so press the number 1 on the phone.
Step 7. Contact Microsoft and enter a 54-digit installation ID
Use the number provided to contact Microsoft. You will be prompted from Microsoft to enter a 54-digit "installation ID". The installation ID is displayed on the same screen as the phone number.
Step 8. Enter the 35-digit code provided by Microsoft
After you verify by entering the installation identity, the Microsoft that helps you will provide an activation code. Enter the code into the box at the bottom of the window to complete the activation process.
Method 3 of 4: Activating Windows XP via Safe Mode
Step 1. Know when it's right for you to do this
Sometimes when you reinstall Windows with non-standard hardware, Windows may not be accessible when you want to activate it. You will get a message telling you that you need to activate the product in order to continue, but you cannot connect the computer to the internet and an "installation identity" is not created. If you experience this, you need to use Safe Mode to repair the driver, then activate Windows.
Step 2. Turn on the computer, then enter into Safe Mode
You need to fix problems related to device drivers. The result that will be obtained by doing so is that your computer can connect to the internet or an installation identity will be created, so that you can activate Windows XP over the phone.
Restart the computer, then press the F8 key continuously while the computer is on. Doing so will open the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select Safe Mode from the list of options that appears
Step 3. Use another computer to download the required drivers
There is a high chance that you will need to download the driver using another computer. Safe Mode in Windows XP does not allow users to install programs, so you need the actual driver files, not the driver installer program.
- Find out about which hardware is not working. Press Win+R, then type devmgmt.msc. In this way, Device Manage will be opened. Look for the entry in Device Manager that has a "!" icon. or "?". These entries are hardware devices that require drivers.
- Visit the hardware manufacturer's site on another computer. If you're using a laptop or a pre-built desktop computer, you should be able to find all the drivers you need in one place. If you are using a self-assembled computer, you will need to search the company's site for the individual piece of hardware that is not functioning normally.
- Download the INF file for each piece of hardware. Since you can't use a driver installer program, you'll need the actual driver files. The driver file has INF format. Move the driver files from a computer that is working normally to a computer that is not working normally via USB or hard disk.
Step 4. Install the drivers
Right-click on the non-working hardware entry in Device Manager, then select "Update Driver". Find the downloaded INF file on your computer and start loading the file. You will be asked to restart the computer.
For a more detailed guide to finding and installing drivers, click here
Step 5. Try to activate Windows XP in the usual way
You should now be able to turn on your computer to log into Windows and activate it over the internet, or you should be able to get your install ID and activate Windows XP over the phone. See how to activate Windows XP online or by phone at the top of this article.
Method 4 of 4: Blocking Activation Messages
Step 1. Consider updating Windows to a newer version
Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, and it is strongly recommended that you change to a newer version of Windows. Doing so ensures that you can access fixes related to operating system security. Windows XP won't get updates anymore.
Step 2. Consider purchasing a legitimate product key
If you don't want to switch Windows to a newer version, you might consider purchasing a valid product key. If you've purchased Windows XP before but can't find the product key, Microsoft may be able to help you retrieve the key if you contact Microsoft customer service.
Step 3. Contact Microsoft if your valid product key cannot be used
If you have an unusable Windows XP key, contact Microsoft before you try to bypass the product activation message. It's possible that a Microsoft representative can help you get the key used so that the computer can be activated.
Step 4. Press
Win+R , then type regedit.
The Registry Editor will open, in which you can skip the Windows XP activation message. This method is recommended as the last option for you to do. You will not be able to use Windows Update if the copy of Windows you are using is not activated.
Step 5. Go to the right directory
Use the directory tree on the left side of the Registry Editor to open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE → SOFTWARE → Microsoft → Windows NT → CurrentVersion (or "Current Version") → WPAEvents.
Step 6. Double click on the "OOBETimer" entry
A new window will open.
Step 7. Change "Value data"
Delete whatever is in the box, then enter
FF D5 71 D6 8B 6A 8D 6F D5 33 93 FD
. Click the OK button to save the changes you have made.
Step 8. Right-click on the WPAEvents directory, then select "Permissions"
Select the "SYSTEM" group from the list in the top frame.
Step 9. Check the "Deny" box for the "Full Control" entry
Click the OK button to save the changes you have made.
