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majmlv

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YOU MUST ACTIVATE WINDOWS BEFORE YOU CAN LOG IN WINDOWS XP HOME AFTER AN IN-PLACE INSTALL

I ran an in-place install of Windows XP Home and used the correct product key that came with the system during the install and I cannot login to windows.  I receive an error message that says, "You must activate windows before you login" - If I choose to activate it boots to a blank desktop with the cursor still active.  Task Manager is not available.  Does anyone have any suggestions.  I'd like not to do a format because the client has programs on the computer that he may not have the software for.  Thanks.
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viral_sonawala

Follow this link and let me know

http://www.gupshupblog.com/2009/02/how-to-activate-windows-xp-without-product-key/

or

Follow this steps:

1. Restart in Safe Mode (F8)
 2. Go to /System/32/ and delete wgatray.exe & Go to /dllcache/ if it exists and delete the same .exe If not don't worry about the second.
 3. Go to Start => Run => regedit
 4. Browse HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WI... NT\CURRENT VERSION\WINLOGON\Notify
 5. Delete WgaLogon  folder
 6. Reboot.
 
Let me know!!


Avatar of majmlv

ASKER

I would love to go into safemode, however, it does not boot into safemode.  I get the same message, "you must activate windows before you can login", when I click okay, it say's that windows cannot be activated in safemode.  It was an in-place install, so I know that my networking/connection to the internet should be all in tact as it was before the in-place.  Do you think that I can try your suggestion in safemode command prompt?

Thanks.
ya sure..You can try that.

YOu might have only two option as per my view

To do in Safe Mode or ReInstall it another Key, I can give you if you need...

Thanks
Viral
Did you do the upgrade with the correct OEM XP cd for the make of the system or did you use a retail or vl xp cd?
oops by upgrade I meant in place install
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ASKER

Yes.  I used the correct operating system along with the product key that they purchased from us a few years ago - everything is legit.
I used BartPE and tried the options suggested and that did not work. The wpaevents folder is missing from the registry.  We've ran the in-place install 4 times - you'd think the file would get replaced.  Not the case. Any other suggestions?  
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majmlv

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