Member Avatar for allireed

Hello all! I am new here and boy am I glad to have found this place...Here is my dilemma, I have windows XP for my main computer and decided to install from the same disk on a second computer (without realizing the problems I was in store for) but since I cannot enter the registration code for more than one computer, as it simply won't let me, it is due to completely lock up in 6 days. I was told that I would have to wipe out the hard drive and re-install a different program. Is there any way to avoid the lock up or uninstall before that time (mind you, we have tried installing windows 2000 but it won't allow that either) - I would rather find some sort of loop hole to keep the computer from locking up and not have to uninstall and reinstall everything on it...if at all possible (and not have to spend $200 on a second license) - Thank you ahead of time for all your help!

Allison

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The behavior described is Windows product-activation enforcement: an XP install that hasn’t been activated runs on a limited grace period (roughly 30 days) and will enter reduced-functionality mode when that expires. Using the same product key on two machines triggers activation issues; there is no legal “loop hole” to make one retail/OEM key serve two simultaneously.

As pointed out, reinstalling with a valid license or replacing the OS is the practical fix. Before wiping or reinstalling, confirm which kind of license is involved: look for the COA sticker or original paperwork. Retail licenses may be transferred to another machine but usually require phone re-activation; OEM licenses are tied to the original hardware and are not transferable. If automatic online activation fails, use the product-activation wizard’s “activate by phone” option and explain the license move.

If the choice is to reinstall or switch OSes, back up everything first. Important items to export or copy include:

  • Documents, Desktop, and user folders.
  • Email stores (Outlook PST or Outlook Express DBX files) and browser bookmarks.
  • Installer files and serial numbers for paid applications.
  • Drivers for critical hardware (download current drivers from manufacturers).

General reinstall workflow: prepare bootable media for the target OS, verify the machine boots from that media, choose the option to reformat the Windows partition during setup, install fresh, restore drivers, then restore personal data. As an alternative to buying a second Windows license, a current free Linux distribution will run on most older hardware and avoids activation issues.

Do not use cracks or activation hacks — those break support, create stability and security risks, and violate licensing. Practical next steps: identify the license type (COA), back up user data and keys, decide whether to obtain a proper second license or install an alternative OS, and then perform the clean install following the backup checklist.

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Member Avatar for dcc

It's a losing battle, you would be better following the advice you were given, wipe the drive and reinstall a OS that you have a poper pruduct key for.

Member Avatar for allireed

ok, thank you...can you tell me how to do that?

Member Avatar for dcc

There are several freeware programs that you could download to wipe you hdd, or you could go online to the manufacturer of your hdd and use the harddrive manufacture's diagnostic utility to zero fill the drive.

You will need to make floppy or CD to boot from in order to wipe the drive, and it helps if your BIOS recognizes that drive at the first of the POST.

Member Avatar for dcc

I use Drive Wipe when I'm going to over write a hdd, but I did some checking around, and found the following freeware that has a good reputation.

http://www.killdisk.com/

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