cannot activate windows

[Thomas Kraven]

Just bought this computer with XP Home Edition, and I
cannot activate Windows as instructed. I open "All
Programs", and cannot find the "Activate Windows" I am
supposed to click on!!!

[Papa]

Assuming your computer had XP pre-installed, your XP operating system is
most likely an OEM version. In that case you will need to contact the
computer manufacturer or computer retailer to get the problem resolved,
rather than Microsoft.

That is why I always go with a retail version of the OS and install it
myself. Then there is no middleman (the computer manufacturer) to deal with.

"Thomas Kraven" > wrote in message
...
> Just bought this computer with XP Home Edition, and I
> cannot activate Windows as instructed. I open "All
> Programs", and cannot find the "Activate Windows" I am
> supposed to click on!!!

[rifleman]

It's in All Programs-Accessories-System Tools. Have you tried there?

"Thomas Kraven" > wrote in message
...
> Just bought this computer with XP Home Edition, and I
> cannot activate Windows as instructed. I open "All
> Programs", and cannot find the "Activate Windows" I am
> supposed to click on!!!

[The Unknown P]

Are you saying that the WPA is different from OEM to full
retail. If this is the case you are mistaken. OEM versions
activate exactly the same as any retail. How the blazes do
you think it is possible to reinstall the OS after making
major component changes or BSOD events? Keep smiling.

[HillBillyBuddhist]

"Thomas Kraven" > wrote in message
...
> Just bought this computer with XP Home Edition, and I
> cannot activate Windows as instructed. I open "All
> Programs", and cannot find the "Activate Windows" I am
> supposed to click on!!!

Some computers (both of my Dells for instance) are already activated and
require no user intervention. Click start, run and type in "msoobe /a" (no
quotes) it will say Windows is already activated if that's the case.

--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details. :)

Remove shoes to E-mail.

[Papa]

No. That's not what I'm saying, but if you think an OEM version is the
better deal - you are wrong. Keep gritting your teeth.>)

"The Unknown P" > wrote in message
...
> Are you saying that the WPA is different from OEM to full
> retail. If this is the case you are mistaken. OEM versions
> activate exactly the same as any retail. How the blazes do
> you think it is possible to reinstall the OS after making
> major component changes or BSOD events? Keep smiling.

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

The OS will let you know, with frequent reminders, if you do need
to activate. To check for yourself, Start > All Programs >
Accessories > System Tools > Activate Windows. Alternatively, Start >
Run > "C:\Windows\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /A." It will probably tell
you that WinXP has already been activated.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:
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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH


"Thomas Kraven" > wrote in message
...
> Just bought this computer with XP Home Edition, and I
> cannot activate Windows as instructed. I open "All
> Programs", and cannot find the "Activate Windows" I am
> supposed to click on!!!

[Steve C. Ray]

If XP came installed on the computer it is probably already activated. Is XP
asking you to activate? If not don't worry about it. If its not activated
click Start,All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Activate Windows.

--
Steve C. Ray
Replace "mail" with "36db"
"Thomas Kraven" > wrote in message
...
> Just bought this computer with XP Home Edition, and I
> cannot activate Windows as instructed. I open "All
> Programs", and cannot find the "Activate Windows" I am
> supposed to click on!!!