How did I lose windows XP certificate?

[RoConno]

My granddaughters desktop computer was running fine one day and then the next day, there is a message that the version of XP has NOT been activated. Well, I bought this computer for about 5 years ago and she has been using it, off and on, every since.We have always kept the Windows automatic update running and always loaded any updates as required. We are running AVG Free and keep it up to date weekly. Does anyone have any idea how the OS lost it's activation? Thanks for any help!

 

[SViscusi]

A hardware or even a driver change could have triggered the activation message. Has anyone installed anything new? Also look at your recently installed updates and see if there were any driver updates which may have triggered the message.

Whatever the case you should be able to reactivate with little hassle.

 

[RoConno]

SViscusi, There was a hardware change. She added a USB Graphics Tablet to the system, so I guess that may have caused the requirement for the re-activation. Can you refresh me on how to go about the getting the re-activation?

 

[ViRGE]

This should get you started down the right road: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/genuine/what-is-validation?os=winxp

 

[RoConno]

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[VirtualLarry]

USB devices can trigger re-activation? That's CRAZY! USB devices are transient, not like the core components of a computer that are more or less permanent, like mobo/RAM/CPU/HD.

 

[bruceb]

I have never seen a USB device trigger a reactivation. If this is an OEM computer, the OS should be preactivated and never need to be touched. Try going through the auto activation method and see if Microsoft activates it. In most cases, it will. Worst case will be to make phone call to them.

 

[corkyg]

USB should not cause this - however, other things can be involved..

http://news.cnet.com/2100-1001-269085.html

The easiest fix may well be a call to MS.