How to activate Windows without Internet

cepheus

Yesterday Afternoon my computer kept restarting before fully booting up. I'm not sure what caused this because it was working fine in the morning. In an attempt to solve this problem, I performed a restore using some software I was asked to previously install on it to solve a previous problem some months ago.

Whilst this seems to have prevented the restarting problem, it now only gets as far as a blue sceen with the computer logo (no icons or toolbar) and comes up with the message "This copy of windows must be activated before you can log on". Unfortunately there is no prompt or other instructions to type in, only the mouse cursor is working. My system is XP sp3 on a 6 yr old computer.

I have found a way of running the repair function in XP, although I have not attemped to reinstall it completely yet, and rebooted from the disk drive using the windows XP disc, none of this works, I always get the same message.

I wonder if it is attempting to register on the Internet? If so this won't work because I only have a modem and require XP working fully before I can log on!

I am typing this from a library computer, and have asked someone who may be able to help me tomorrow to check any replies to this thread. I will also check in half an hour and tomorrow morning, in case anyone has any ideas how to circumvent this problem.

Thanks in advance

JasX

The windows activation wizard has an option to activate by telephone, you need to click a button at the bottom and follow the instructions.

If you're not looking at the activation wizard you are not trying to activate windows and windows won't be doing anything 'in the background' to try and activate itself.

tronator

cepheus wrote: »

Yesterday Afternoon my computer kept restarting before fully booting up. I'm not sure what caused this because it was working fine in the morning. In an attempt to solve this problem, I performed a restore using some software I was asked to previously install on it to solve a previous problem some months ago.

What is "some" software? It should have a name. Windows has a built-in "System Restore" which can restore it to a previous state. No need to install (dodgy?) software. And who asked you to install it?

cepheus wrote: »

Whilst this seems to have prevented the restarting problem, it now only gets as far as a blue sceen with the computer logo (no icons or toolbar) and comes up with the message "This copy of windows must be activated before you can log on". Unfortunately there is no prompt or other instructions to type in, only the mouse cursor is working. My system is XP sp3 on a 6 yr old computer.

There should be instructions how to activate Windows over the telephone. If not, try these

http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-xp-2000/34793-answered-windows-uk-activation-phone-number.html

P.S. If your modem is a broadband modem you should replace it with a router. You'll live much safer...

cepheus

I have only two choices yes or no If I press yes activation it seems try and do something on the hard disc for a few seconds but then nothing happens, blue screen no icons or options. I don't think it comes up with this option or else I would have seen it, I will check again just in case.

How could telephone activation work? do they give you a code? No-where to type it in anyway! I have all the details already written on my computer box. Remember No internet.

cepheus

I cant remember the name, I have only a few minutes left, I have tried the standard restore as well.

Lil306

cepheus wrote: »

I have only two choices yes or no If I press yes activation it seems try and do something on the hard disc for a few seconds but then nothing happens, blue screen no icons or options. I don't think it comes up with this option or else I would have seen it, I will check again just in case.

How could telephone activation work? do they give you a code? No-where to type it in anyway! I have all the details already written on my computer box. Remember No internet.

Dumb question, what resolution is the computer screen displaying?

If it's too low then you might not see the box

Don't worry if the activation period runs out, you can delete a registry key which will prompt for the OOBE activation again to give you another try

All that happens with phone activation is it gives you a number, you select your country call it up and input the numbers. It then gives you a number back if verified and you click next it should then be activated

I'll see if I can dig up how to do the OOBE activiation again

Lil306

Reactivate Windows and add new product key

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK. %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a
3. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows, and then click Next.
4. Click Change Product key.
5. Type the new product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update.
   
   If you are returned to the previous window, click Remind me later, and then restart the computer.
6. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to verify that Windows is activated. You receive the following message: Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.
7. Click OK.
8. Install Windows XP Service Pack 1a or a later version of Windows XP.

tronator

Lil306 wrote: »

Reactivate Windows and add new product key

1. Click Start, and then click Run...

"This copy of windows must be activated before you can log on"

It's the typical chicken/egg problem ;-)

Maybe the OP can log on in safe mode and the activation works in safe mode too.

Lil306

tronator wrote: »

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"This copy of windows must be activated before you can log on"

It's the typical chicken/egg problem ;-)

Maybe the OP can log on in safe mode and the activation works in safe mode too.

I blame lack of sleep for my dumb !!! statements

Safe mode SHOULD work, if not, they will have to use something like BartPe or some other boot loader to allow access to the registry

dogmaryxx

Found this thread which may be of use

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/xpsecurity/thread/387f3367-5fc4-4aa1-937d-6788a626029d

Will let tronator or Lil306 decide if worth trying as they know more about this than me.

Lil306

dogmaryxx wrote: »

Found this thread which may be of use

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/xpsecurity/thread/387f3367-5fc4-4aa1-937d-6788a626029d

Will let tronator or Lil306 decide if worth trying as they know more about this than me.

I'd say it looks correct, it's just running the OOBE in safe mode which is what forces the activation again. Good find.