how do I activate windows xp the wizard says cant activate at this time.?
87600
there should be a phone number to activate if it doesn't activate online.\ncall that number and activate on phone.
273561
The above are good this, but this an alternative\n(try on your own risk, worked for me)\nwhen win xp is loading, like when it come Windows Xp (=====)\nrestart it, and then you'll see, the muliple option of booting.
1043771
Try this link to see if your XP is a valid copy.  If it's not, I'd sure go back to that dealer and demand he make it right or you'll report him to Microsoft for selling pirated XP.  And I'd also demand the XP install CD as well.\n\nsupport.microsoft.com
291857
You'll need to contact Microsoft via telephone (instructions and telephone numbers appear on the activation screen).\n\nYour computer will not shut down if you don't activate the software, but failing to activate the software DOES have consequences...For example, you won't be able to receive any updates to Windows XP...some of which are critical.\n\nThe most common reason for not being able to activate software over the Internet is that the software has already been activated too many times.  If it, in fact, is your copy of the software, and it is registered to you, Microsoft will gladly issue you a replacement key if you ask.
151924
You should be able to do one of 2 things :\n\n1] Go into safe mode for windows , to do this keep continuesly pressing F8 before it loads windows then a menu will appear allowing to choose safe mode. From there you can use system restore to restore to an earlier date. If that does not work because you have it disabled or something else then use the expand command to expand it , look here :\n\nhttp://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?act=ST&f=34&t=66521\n\nThe command or commands you can try from that site would be the following :\n\nexpand f:/I386/explorer.ex_ c:/windows/explorer.exe\n\nIf that does not work in safe mode then you need to restart your machine, go into the bios by pressing delete or F2 depending on your machine. Then from there change the boot device priority to cd rom first and then go through the steps as though you are re installing xp but when it gets to asking you what you want to do , Press R to go into the recovery console.\n\nThen Press R to go to the recovery console, if you have a password set for the admins account, you will have to enter that after pressing the number of the installation of xp you want to repair ( generally this will be 1 since you normally only have one OS installed unless you are dual booting )\n\nOnce you are in there do the command stated above in the url with regards to the expand command.\n\nIf that does not work, go back into safe mode after changing the boot order back to the hard drive as the first boot device and when back in safe mode go to start --> run and type\n\nsfc /scannow\n\nmake sure to have the xp disc handy.\n\nIf that does not fix it ( Then i will be surprised lol )\n\nAs a last resort I then suggest a repair install , guide on how to do this can be found here :\n\nhttp://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm\n\nHope this helps\n\nFYI ajabay -if he deleted explorer then windows wont load so how do you expect him to go to start --> control panel etc ??\n\nOnly way around that as far as i can tell would be to press ctrl + alt + delete when it gets to the blue screen and get that to maybe run some commands but im not sure how much that would help, if at all. I doubt it would work to say the least, anyway my above suggestions are all valid ones :)
544397
if it's the driver problem, just reinstall it..\nrepair the windows xp...
591229
All the other things will stop working if you wipe it clean and start over. However, you should be able to re-install a legitimate copy of Windows over top of the existing one and everything in the registry for the other programs will be kept, and the programs should still work....even if they are counterfeit.\nMine came with XP Home Edition already installed.
69257
Kindly disregard the previous advice, as it doesn't pertain to your problem.\n\nTo fix your problem, boot to your Windows CD and perform a "repair installation". \n\nHere are instructions, with screen shots, on how to do that:\n\nhttp://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm#How%20to%20Repair%20Windows%20XP%20by%20Installing%20Over%20top%20of%20Existing%20Setup:\n\nNote: When you get to the page you may have to scroll to the link that says "How To Run A Repair Install"
447481
Check this page, it explains what product activation is, and what to do in your case... good luck!\n\nhttp://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ProductActivation.htm
1141323
Try to activate the "Active Desktop" option
530010
laptop or Desktop?\n\nRead the manual, or check with the manufacturer.  Probably need a install a program to activate it.
607161
take the computer back to the store you bought it from. they should be able to solve the problem. or you may have to register your copy of windows. you have 30 days from when you first use it to do so. on question, are you getting the message in an email or dose the tool bar etc say that to you?
671099
Just boot using a windows XP CD and follow the steps, once formatted shut down the machine :)
307719
Everyone should take this to heart.  If you download an OS from the web.\n\nIt is not going to work.  If you do not have the activation key to XP or any other one you are just asking for trouble.\n\nIt is an illegal website.\n\nDB
472145
If you haven't got MSCONFIG, you can copy it from an XP machine to a Win2K machine and it works just fine.\n\nPut it in C:&#92;Windows&#92;System32 (or C:&#92;Winnt&#92;System32 depending on your Windows folder) and run it from the Run dialog.
22110
Clarification:\n\nAfter you turn on your computer AND BEFORE the Windows XP logo comes up (where it has that bar that scrolls across the screen for a while) you need to hit that F8 key.  Usually it is just before that Windows Logo screen (may be blank) that you have to be pressing F8 in order to catch it.\n\nAnother option:  After you boot up, wait a second and then start holding down the control key. Keep it held down until it asks you what mode you want to boot into. \n\nIf you don't get it, try it a few times.  Once you figure it out a couple times it'll be easy to tell when it is time to press F8 (or control key) to get the menu you need.  \n\nIf you see the Windows Logo with the scrol bar it is too late.
857631
Reinstall it... but first uninstall than reinstall...\n\nIf this doesnt work back up your system to a time where u knew that it was working... if you Have Xp