XP SP2 validation?

Most chances you can call Microsoft and validate it with them. Alot of serials from dell normally come this way, and you have to call them and explain to them your situation and you provide them your serial. They will give you a auth code to validate windows, (There is a option to 'validate windows by phone').. You can also call who provided you with the laptop as well, but they will most likely redirect you to microsoft if the serial IS valid.

Unfortunately I have tried this option before with windows tech telling me I had to do a complete reinstall, I do not have time for that and they couldn't even tell me if that would work. Microsoft is the worst! Thanks for trying.

Really? Sorry I couldn't be much help, I'd try calling them again, maybe you'll get someone smarter! Maybe someone else will have some input on this. Sorry :( It's pretty limited now to what you can do 'legally',

Thanks, but I know many others with this exact same problem.

This is a warranty issue.
If the laptop is failing Wga validation and it was bought from a reputable retailer, youn should return it and let them sort it out. It is a problem between the manufacturer/retailer and Microsoft. If it cannot be resolved, you are entitled to a replacement.

Thanks phototropic, but the company I purchased it from suggested that I have them reformat and go without my laptop for a week, I can't do that. Quite frankly, I see it as a Microsoft alone problem. These guys have had millions of desktops, and laptops with valid licenses and have thsame problem. MS is so worried that they are not getting their pound of flesh that they have alienated good customers.

I had similar problem. Valid copy of win xp, activated via internet. Windows crashed so often, I had to reinstall many times. The last reinstall, MS informed me that I cannot validate anymore. Pure mistakes from MS, but they are greedy and want to alienate customers.
The options are the same as above:
1. Use the warranty, replace windows with OEM
2.Call MS again, some better person at helpdesk would allow you to change things
3. Buy another copy of windows and make MS happy
4. go to court
5. Better: install Linux and be happy for ever
6. use pirated working version of xp and get revenge on MS: This one is illegal and we do not recommend this way

I think Linux or MAC look more attractive everyday.

In that case, your only way forward is to call Microsoft again, explain the situation and hope that whoever takes your call has had a good day so far...

I always thought this problem was a registry problem? I guess it is not. I am just furious with MS and will probably try dealing with them again.

Have you tried this?
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/selfhelp/XPPkuinst.aspx?displaylang=en&sGuid=81fd64ff-d1d4-4b22-80bf-1911f3ecb098

rickd1129
Would appreciate if you could clarify if you benefited with any of these answers or it was not helpful at all please? Obviously the accepted solution seems to be your response to my comment which is very unusual! If not helpful, usually the question is deleted with points refund and not like this, having no points allocated!