Question

What do I do now that the 30 day grace period for windows xp home has expired?

Asked by: DuVall

Hello,

To make a long story short......

1) I had installed windows xp onto a new hard drive when it crashed on my laptop.
2) I discovered after the fact that my serial number was expired because the laptop manufacturer reported the laptop stollen to MS - therefore MS would NOT accept my activation key.
3) I knew I needed to purchase new windows software - so I did so. However it was very late ariving and the 30 day grace period had expired before I had a chance to change to the new serial and activate it with MS.
WHAT IS MY OPTION NOW? Is there anyway to still activate it with the new serial number I purchased - OR am I going to be foreced to re-install windows to get the new serial number installed and activated?
I was going to use the "jelly bean" soft to change the serial and simply re-activate the current installation - But now I am locked out of the computer and don't know of a way to get it activated now without doing a complete new re-install.......... Is this correct? Is there any other way to avoid a new re-install???
Is there anyway MS can take this info over the phone and still activate the current install???

Thanks,
duvall

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Asked On
2007-09-14 at 06:42:44ID22828814
Tags

activated

,

period

,

windows

Topics

Windows XP Operating System

,

Apple Operating Systems

Participating Experts
4
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Comments
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Answers

 

by: johnb6767Posted on 2007-09-14 at 06:44:42ID: 19891355

When you try to login, it doesnt ask you if you want to activate now? That should be all you need...Once in there, select Enter Different Key, or call MS, and give them the new Key....

 

by: ICINTRACOMPosted on 2007-09-14 at 06:45:14ID: 19891360

I believe it gives you an option to "Activate Now", you just need an internet connection. In the activation screen you shaoul also be able to enter a new product key.

 

by: SheharyaarSaahilPosted on 2007-09-14 at 06:45:28ID: 19891365

you have the new cd with you......you have to use it to install windows to use its key for activating windows.

 

by: DuVallPosted on 2007-09-14 at 07:09:36ID: 19891608

Yes, I now see the screen that asks if i would like to activate windows now. I didn't look further into this (click yes) as I had no idea that it would give me a choice to enter a new activation number!!!

Why does the above expert say different than the first two experts????????????  What does he mean I must use the disk??? Who is correct?

Thanks,
duvall

 

by: SheharyaarSaahilPosted on 2007-09-14 at 07:13:43ID: 19891651

you used your OEM installation disk to install windows......didn't you?

 

by: johnb6767Posted on 2007-09-14 at 07:18:22ID: 19891706

Because Discs do not accept ALL license keys, and he may be right. But if you used a retail CD, then there is a high chance it will work, we are just trying to cover all the bases here....

 

by: KCTSPosted on 2007-09-14 at 07:19:53ID: 19891735

If you cannot activate windows for any reason then contact Micorsoft (the number is on the activation screen), and explain the situation to them. They are normally very unbderstnding in such circumstances and will issue you with a new key and talk you through the process if you have a genuine reason.

 

by: DuVallPosted on 2007-09-14 at 07:22:07ID: 19891750

I had used the disk that came with the laptop. Now I have a new OEM disk. I simply want to use the new serial from the new OEM I bought - but what is installed is the windows from the disk that came with the laptop............. Before I begin - does anybody know what options I will have other than a complete new install???
Thanks,
duvall

 

by: SheharyaarSaahilPosted on 2007-09-14 at 07:26:12ID: 19891793

as per the MS EULA....they allow to use one serial key per installation disk....and that's the reason i advised to use your new OEM disk with the new key......

you new key might work with the old OEM.....but that will be something which is against the terms of MS....so KCTS is right.....better you contact them and tell them the situation......and then follow the instructions/recommendations for a "legal" system here :)

 

by: johnb6767Posted on 2007-09-14 at 07:35:30ID: 19891878

"they allow to use one serial key per installation disk"

Not to play devil's advocate here.....(it is kinda fun though... )

But if the COA from the new disk gets successfully activated, then that COA will be bound to the machine, and cannot be used again. Regardless of whether or not it was activated off of Disc 1 or Disc 2...If it activates successfully, it IS legal, as long as it is not attempted to install on another box. If it doesnt activate, either call MS or simply reformat.

You wont really know until you take the next step though.....

 

by: SheharyaarSaahilPosted on 2007-09-14 at 07:36:48ID: 19891890

:)

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