Alrighty, so I'm trying to fix my friend's computer, and I've hit a bump.

I've popped in the XP disc and Installed Windows again. The problem I get is when I try to log on. I'm required to activate windows to log on, but I can't log on to activate it.

The Error message I'm getting is :

This copy of Windows must be activated with Microsoft before you can log on. Do you want to activate windows now.

If I click Yes, it logs on, but then automatically logs off again.

Any ideas?

Hi, welcome to ItsAllPC.

that sounds really weird...

Have you tried installing Windows again from scratch? It may make a difference... Somehow.

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Do you know if there is a way for me to be able to activate windows in Safe Mode?

I'm trying to access the Control Panel in Safe Mode, so that I can disable accounts so that the computer just logs on without the Error Message.

Hi

This problem can sometimes occur if the settings for the activation files are locked for whatever reason.
These can be changes in the registry.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFTNT\CurrentVer sion\Winlogon
(change Activation Required value to zero)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Cu rrentVersion
(change RegDone value to 1)

Be careful when you make changes to the registry!
You should be able to get access to the registry by going into Start > Run > type regedit and press enter.

Out of interest, was this a clean install or an upgrade?

I hope this helps, and let us know how you get on.
Many Thanks

Leo

I made the changes to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Cu rrentVersion

but I couldn't find

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFTNT\CurrentVer sion\Winlogon

I get as far as Software, and can't find MICROSOFTNT.

Any suggestions?

Hi

If you try booting into Safe Mode, then go to run and type this :

%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /A

This should launch the activation windows. If you select activate over the phone you should be able to do it that way.

I hope this helps, let me know how you get on.

Many Thanks

Leo

Hi Leo,

I just tried that now - I've got the other laptop open next to me.

I've got the message that I can't activate windows in Safe Mode. xD;

I have a friend who will possibly lend me his XP disc, it might be a problem with that.

Thanks so much for your help, although if you do have any other suggestions, I'm open to them.

Thanks,

Ollie~