Need help with Windows XP activation *REWARD-URGENT*

[Lucky]

Ok, I've got quite the problem. I installed XP on my GF's computer about a month ago. Anyways, I forgot about the activation thing until yesterday when there was one day until activation. So (bad part) I did the "Orion (winlogon?) crack because I wasnt sure how many computers I was going to install it on and I didnt want to use my one activation. (yes, bad, I know. ) but it seems that crack was disabled in the final release (retail) version of XP that that I isntalled. So anyways, now when I boot it says I need to activate and it says, do I want to? So I say yes, and it attempts to boot in but then logs back out immediately, I assume because of the replaced winlogon file. (thats the only reason I can think of).

So anyways, Im willing to go legit, and use my activation on my GF's computer...BUT I CANNOT afford to reformat. My GF did not backup. Its an upgrade version from Win2K. What Im asking is how to redo (undo?) the crack so I can legally activate this POS product.

Will reward by paypal if you can help me get this working. Im willing to either do what it takes or revert to win2k, but Im not sure you can do with with xp without formatting.


thank you for your fast help. The last thign i need is my ass kicked by my GF.

 

[Lucky]

and one more question-if I somehow am able to attempt to reinstall xp, does a clean install wipe everything on the C drive? Or just the system files?


edit: and would it be possible to revert to a windows 98 from a xp system without reformatting if I cant revert to 2k? Remember, I cannot get into windows at all, just the login screen.

 

[gunf1ghter]

Boot off of the XP CD and choose to do a repair installation... it should copy back the original winlogon file and you should be up and running after doing the registration.

You could also manually copy the file back, from the Install CD (you just need something that can read the .cab files, winzip can do that).

There is no way to convert an XP installation to Win2K or to Windows 9x (98, etc).

If you say, "there's absolutely no way I can format" then you need to consider some form of backup storage for that system... what the heck are you going to do if the hard drive fails? oops! data is gone!

 

[Lucky]

Thanks, I actually just thought of that and am attempting that right now. I had a few problems getting it to boot off CD, but...I think its going OK now. Will update.

 

[Lucky]

actually thats a really obvious solution, i cant believe i didnt think of that in the first place before making this post.

anyways, i'll keep it updated.

 

[HTRednek]

You could also try a system restore (provided you had the system configured to use it ) you can run system restore from the command line by start your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt, at the command prompt, type
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe , and then press ENTER. Follow the instructions on the screen to begin restoring your computer to a previous, functional state. This would restore the registry hacks performed for the "orion" hack but I'm not sure if the winlogon would be restored. Might be faster than the previous idea but the reinstall will probably give you a more stable system afterwards.

 

[HTRednek]

Scratch that , you still have to logon to get to a command prompt in this backwards OS. There is alot to like and alot to hate in XP.

 

[gunf1ghter]

So where the hell is my reward!!!

J/K

 

[Lucky]

Working on it. Got it up and running but when I tried to activate it microsoft claims that it was already activated in november. Funny, I bought it in January. Now they want me to PAY to fax them proof of purchase. WTF???

 

[gunf1ghter]

I'm sure if you call them they can straighten it out... if memory serves me right they have a 24/7 activation assistance phone line.

 

[bacillus]

<< I bought it in January. Now they want me to PAY to fax them proof of purchase. WTF??? >>


hmm, if you've got a scanner, XP has a native inbuit fax program you can use!

 

[Lucky]

gunfighter, they told me this over the phone. The guy refused to budge and insisted my copy had already been activated. Since it was shrink wrapped and I know the manager at the store where I bougtht it, I know it wasnt a return. This is clearly a screwup on microsofts end.


I will have to goto kinkos to fax it because neither I or any of my friends have landlines, we all use cellphones only.

 

[gunf1ghter]

Well that does suck... but remember that this whole thing started because you tried to use a crack on XP.

In the future, buy your copy of XP and then install the Devil's Own so that you don't have to deal with the stupid registration!

 

[Lucky]

thats what im about to do. Hey, since you've been so helpful PM me your paypal addy and I'll send ya' five bucks.

 

[gunf1ghter]

Nawwwww... I help out fellow AT'ers without expecting a reward.

 

[Lucky]

ygpm