taurarian
December 11th 03, 09:26 PM
Information about the current activation is stored in an
encrypted database file named Wpa.dbl, which you can back
up and then restore once you've reinstalled XP. Keep in
mind that this technique allows you only to reinstall XP
on the same computer--it isn't a hack to pirate the OS.
Here's how to back up the Wpa.dbl file:
1. Insert a blank, formatted disk into the floppy disk
drive.
2. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the
C:\Windows\System32 folder.
3. Right-click the Wpa.dbl file and select Send To | 3-1/2
Floppy.
You can then reformat the hard disk and reinstall XP. Once
the installation procedure is complete, follow these steps
to restore the Wpa.dbl file:
1. Restart the computer.
2. Press [F8] when you see the message Please Select The
Operating System To Start.
3. From the Windows Advanced Options Menu, select Safe
Mode.
4. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the
C:\Windows\System32 folder.
5. Rename the new Wpa.dbl to Wpa.new.
6. Insert the disk that contains the backup into the
floppy disk drive.
7. Copy the Wpa.dbl file from the floppy disk to the
C:\Windows\System32 folder.
8. Restart the computer.
Since you're using the exact copy of XP that was
previously installed, the original Wpa.dbl file should be
accepted, and you won't have to go through all the hassle
of reactivation.
Hope this works for you. Good luck.
>-----Original Message-----
>Hi All,
>
>Due to the possibility of a failing HDD it looks like Im
going to have to
>replace the drive.
>Am I going to run into problems with Product Activation
after Installation
>on new drive?
>What is the procedure for getting round this.
>It is unfortunate for me as I am upto date with the
latest winXP updates.
>This is an OEM version of XP-pro (Dell)
>I have SP1 cd from MS.
>TIA
>Newt
>
>
>.
>
encrypted database file named Wpa.dbl, which you can back
up and then restore once you've reinstalled XP. Keep in
mind that this technique allows you only to reinstall XP
on the same computer--it isn't a hack to pirate the OS.
Here's how to back up the Wpa.dbl file:
1. Insert a blank, formatted disk into the floppy disk
drive.
2. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the
C:\Windows\System32 folder.
3. Right-click the Wpa.dbl file and select Send To | 3-1/2
Floppy.
You can then reformat the hard disk and reinstall XP. Once
the installation procedure is complete, follow these steps
to restore the Wpa.dbl file:
1. Restart the computer.
2. Press [F8] when you see the message Please Select The
Operating System To Start.
3. From the Windows Advanced Options Menu, select Safe
Mode.
4. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to the
C:\Windows\System32 folder.
5. Rename the new Wpa.dbl to Wpa.new.
6. Insert the disk that contains the backup into the
floppy disk drive.
7. Copy the Wpa.dbl file from the floppy disk to the
C:\Windows\System32 folder.
8. Restart the computer.
Since you're using the exact copy of XP that was
previously installed, the original Wpa.dbl file should be
accepted, and you won't have to go through all the hassle
of reactivation.
Hope this works for you. Good luck.
>-----Original Message-----
>Hi All,
>
>Due to the possibility of a failing HDD it looks like Im
going to have to
>replace the drive.
>Am I going to run into problems with Product Activation
after Installation
>on new drive?
>What is the procedure for getting round this.
>It is unfortunate for me as I am upto date with the
latest winXP updates.
>This is an OEM version of XP-pro (Dell)
>I have SP1 cd from MS.
>TIA
>Newt
>
>
>.
>