Reinstalling XP- activation loop

Question

Hi, I am stuck booting up my other computer. I reinstalled Windows XP due to a problem with IE with the Dell CD that came with the computer (new 3 months ago). It seemed to install Ok but now I get stuck in a loop I can't get out of. It ask me on start up whether I want to activate Windows XP. Whether I answer yes or no it just takes me round a loop back to the same login screen.

I can't even start up in Safe Mode or restore to previous known good configuration. As I can't actually get into Windows XP my troubleshooting options are limited. I've scoured the net/ Message Boards to no effect. I'm considering phoning Microsoft- any ideas much appreciated

mombodog · Answer

You said you reinstalled XP, correct?   If so how did you do it? was it done using the clean method (delete the partition and format and install) or overlay install method (no partition deletion or format), or was it a repair install.

mombodog · Answer

Was this a clean install of XP?

Dermot McG · Answer

No- Windows XP was on the computer- preinstalle by Dell- the reason for reinstalling was IE was corrupted & proved v difficult to repair reupload IE etc although clearly I am now in a far worse position!

mombodog · Answer

I think you may have to do a clean install. Sounds like the activation time limit has been exceeded.

http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=705161

Maybe not, try this

http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/browse_thread/thread/e7e07def7faf0d4f/4f10767abd874844?lnk=st&q=%22This+copy+of+Windows+must+be+activated+with+Microsoft+before+you+can+log+on.&rnum=22&hl=en#4f10767abd874844

Message Edited by mombodog on 03-25-2007 04:40 PM

Dermot McG · Answer

Reinstalled XP correct using repair install

Dermot McG · Answer

Thanks for your help- I'll feel I'm getting somewhere. I can now logon in in Safe Mode using Admininstrator account- the second link seems to suggest that  'Auto-login mode was enabled in registry, causing this error message to pop up'.    I can get to registry but how do I disable auto-login mode?   Many thanks

mombodog · Answer

http://www.petri.co.il/configuring_autologon.htm  here is how to configure it to autologon, one would assume you use a 0 instead of 1.   ' AutoAdminLogon and enter a value of 1.'

john5410 · Answer

I have an INSPIRON 1000 my 16 year daughter has been using successfully for awhile. She decided to delete the system32 files. I can't get anything except a black screen saying: \windows\system32\c_437.nls is missing or corrupt.   I know it is missing. She does know how to delete very well. :-)   I tried using the reinstallation CD but I think I had Windows 2000 then upgraded all the way to WINDOWS XP. I do not have the WINDOWS 2000 CD for some reason; probably lost in move from Houston to SLC in 2005. Hours of frustration trying everything. Is there a secret I am not aware of or do I just need to send it back to DELL and get it reloaded at the factory?

john5410 · Answer

I'll check to see that was the disk I was using. If it wasn't I'll look for that and try again...   Thanks....

mombodog · Answer

John,

If it is XP then you need to use the XP disc to do a repair described here.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm#RI read carefully.

If the XP disc you have has no service pack or is SP1, then you will need to install SP2 after the repair.

Don't forget windows updates after the repair also.

Message Edited by mombodog on 03-26-2007 10:12 PM

sunilkchopra · Answer

Hi Dermot McG
Fix for this (Unfortunatly) is clean install only.Let me clarify that you will be able to goto safe mode because activation mode doesnt work in envoirnment below 16 bit colours and safe mode is below that and what ever changes you are doing i registry will not help you so best resolution's are as under

1.If you dont have any important data or information then right away do clean installation i.e booting from cd and then formatting hard drive and installing windows and then drivers and then all other application what you want.

2. If you have important data and information you can do parallel installation and then pull out the data save it on cd's or flash drive or external hard drive and delete the old windows folder

I f you have any question please let me know

Thanks and Regards

Sunil

Dell Tech Support

Dermot McG · Answer

Thanks to all, clean installation cured all!!   cheers

mombodog · Answer

'Thanks to all, clean installation cured all!!'   Yep, cures most everything.  :smileywink:

Windows General

Reinstalling XP- activation loop

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