WinXP Help

[GRT 0]

Ive got a problem with my windows XP. Here it is

In order:

1. Ive let my windows activation run down from its 30 day limit.

2. When i start my pc a window comes up saying "This copy of windows must be activated with Microsoft before you can log on. Do you want to activate windows now?"

3. I click yes

4. A window comes up saying Windows is already activated. Click OK to exit.

5. So i click OK and it logs off my user and goes back to #2.

Ive called gateway(thats what my pc is) and they said my warrenty ran out and it cost like 284/294 dollars to pay for tech support ..The XP cd i have is a real XP cd and i have the serial number sticker on the side of my tower. This only started after my motherboard shorted out from lighting(i didnt have it on a surge protector). After that i took it to a pc shop up the street and they put in a new motherboard and then when i got it back home i reformated and thats when it started the count down thing when i went to activate it, it said Windows was already activated click ok to exit. But itd still count down.

[NightCrawler 137]

Call Microsoft 1-800-936-4900 give them the number off the tag on the side of your PC, they will activate it and you should be good to go.

[CR6 0]

I've heard the main piece of hardware that WinXP activation ties itself to is your motherboard. If you switch out your motherboard, WinXP considers itself installed on a new computer and you have to reactivate it.

I'm surprised the PC shop could switch out your mobo without reinstalling Windows. Your new mobo likely has the same chipset, but it's unlikely the same mobo Gateway used.

Anyways, do as NightCrawler says and call MS up on the telephone to activate Windows XP.