Win XP startup SNAFU

[InterWebGuy]

Hey all, I'm hoping you can help me with a problem I've run into with a friend's machine:

Her box is a Dell (dimension, I think), and is around 2 years old; after going on vacation, she returned to find the system wouldn't load windows- it just loads the user profile, and then requests that windows be authenticated (her copy has been registered for the entire she's owned the system). When I attempted to authenticate XP, the system just reverts back to the "please authenticate windows" screen... I'm not really sure what to do now, but any help, tips, or hints you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Additionally, I've got a few questions about XP and Dells in general:
-She can't find her XP CD (but the Auth sticker is on the side of the system): do Dell systems come with XP CDs?
-Can I use another XP CD to repair/reinstall windows if I use her Auth #?

Thanks!

 

[Smilin]

Don't wait, just call Microsoft. Explain what is happening and they will help you out at no charge.

1-800-936-4900

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Yep. This is actually a huge issue with several OEM Windows XP installs right now, covering a lot of vendors. Call MS.

- M4H

 

[Redviffer]

Dell doesn't issue stand alone WinXP discs, the OS will be on the Dell recovery disc.