I have a computer with (presumably unlicensed) Windows XP.
The activation (over the internet) failed, and I now I cannot get into Windows.
After calling Microsoft, it seems like I will have to reinstall everything and install a freshly bought operating system.
What are my options here? Is it worth trying the millions of keys and key generators out there?
EDIT: I have no way of contacting the manufacturer (it's a no-name box, definitely not Dell, HP or IBM). Would there actually be a key supplied with my version of XP? If its not genuine, wouldnt I just have any old key? And that key would fail activation any way?
Best Answer
It's really simple - if you have a "Certificate of Authenticity" either stuck to the case or with the discs, then Microsoft will always (in my experience anyway) activate windows. If they refuse then morally and probably legally (I'm talking about a court of law not what MS's license may say) you are fine to install Windows in whatever way you can.
If not, unless you are the statistical anomaly one in a thousand that has legitimately lost the serial, then you have a pirate copy of Windows and MS are quite rightly not going to help.
If you don't have the serial/key and you are not the original purchaser no software company will ever help you.
As suggested you may be able to use a Nisoft or Magical jelly bean Windows key recoverer, perhaps from a boot disc or safe mode - call Microsoft with this and at least they will able to tell you if it is legit - if so they will help you.