That's correct, the links have similar information. My point got lost in my ramble........
You can try the instructions in either link, but you will eventually have to do a repair install to fix...

You will need a static IP address for your home pc. The remote pc will connect to your home PC using that address. You can connect remotely by using Real VNC...

That error points to a corrupt registry hive. There are instructions at microsoft.com to try to fix it but my experience has always been a repair install using the XP cd that came with your computer....

If it is not reloaded when you get it, you can load it using the system recovery cd's that came with your laptop.

If you cannot activate the software after you reload, you can call MS, explain the...