Win XP Home - Problems activating

[Justin]

I've just had to to format my hard drive and now when I try to activate Windows it tells me it probably isn't genuine. It is a genuine copy, been using it for years on this PC.

Anyone know what may have caused this and how I get around it? You used to be able to speak to a human being when you tried to activate but this is no longer possible.

[David B]

Hi Justin
You have to ring Microsoft to get it reactivated. You must have original sticker.

[Justin]

Not sure if I still have sticker anywhere, unlikely....I do have the serial number though

[smitch6]

i had that once and just rung them and they sorted it within 5 mins really helpful
and i don't think i had the original sticker they only need the number

[Justin]

Trying to find a blooming telephone number is the hardest part!

[Stitch Up]

0800 018 8354

[Justin]

Thanks, but that's the automated registration line. You used to be able to speak to them when it failed but now it doesn't let you.

[Stitch Up]

I thought it gave some options by pressing various numbers on the phone!

[Justin]

Update...managed to get around this with one of the old tricks...pressed **## and it went through They've blocked my reg'n code claiming it's on multiple machines! It isn't btw! I have to call cust service tomorrow to get a new key...wish me luck!

[Justin]

MS were a complete waste of time, call this dept. call that dept. Nothing we can do....and so on. I found a (legal) way around this but many thanks to everyone for their comments/help

For the record, when you call the activation line....if you ignore the options 3 times you get an increased menu with the option to speak to a semi-human operator.