re-activation required every time computer is cold started

[Jerrard Holland]

This question is for a friends computer. His origional
XP installation had not been activated, and when it shut
down, he called Microsoft, paid for a new license by
credit card, and was instructed on how to complete
activation.

Now, whenever he turns the system off, it requires
activation on restart. He makes the call, types in the
code, and is given a the activation code to complete the
activation.

If you check the activation status of the status, the
shows the system as activated. The next time the system
is cold started, he has to repeat the phone call, and get
the new activation code.

Any ideas?

Jerrard Holland
(e-mail address removed)

 

[Joseph Conway [MSFT]]

Try inplace upgrading the machine and see if that helps. Boot from the CD,
enter for new install, F8 for the EULA and then R to repair the install that
it finds. Run activation again when it comes up and reboot.