Win xp activation workaround

Just run the program, either from the command line or by double-clicking it from the folder you downloaded it to. When you do, your product key will appear as shown in Figure A.

I changed my product key in this image for security reasons. Editor's Picks. The best programming languages to learn in Check for Log4j vulnerabilities with this simple-to-use script. TasksBoard is the kanban interface for Google Tasks you've been waiting for. Paging Zefram Cochrane: Humans have figured out how to make a warp bubble.

Comment and share: A workaround to XP installs when the product key is missing. For instance, clicking the "My Computer" option will change the left-hand menus, bringing up the "Control Panel" option, from which the most common system configuration tools become available. Given the limitations that you would find in the friendliness of the MS Windows interface when using it this way, this work-around is no simple replacement for just using a fully activated install of MS Windows.

Despite the fact it is in fact a work-around for Microsoft's Windows validation system, there is little danger of this particular quirk in the system being used to avoid having to use a properly activated MS Windows. Ultimately, aside from using a cracked and possibly malware infected version of MS Windows, there is still no way to avoid having to use an activated install of the OS for general usage other than using an OS other than MS Windows.

Chad Perrin is an IT consultant, developer, and freelance professional writer. Editor's Picks. The best programming languages to learn in Check for Log4j vulnerabilities with this simple-to-use script.

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Click Change Product Key. This is at the bottom of the "Activate" window. Enter a Windows XP product key. Note that you may have to attempt this step a few times with different keys. If you don't know the version of Windows XP your computer is currently running, consult your computer's manual to verify before you proceed with trying the linked product keys.

Click Update. After this process completes, you'll need to confirm your activation of Windows XP. Click Back. Check the "Activate Windows over the Internet" option. This will allow you to activate your version of XP quickly. Note that calling Microsoft using the "telephone a customer representative" option likely won't work since Microsoft discontinued support for Windows XP on April 8th, Follow the on-screen instructions.

After you've completed your Windows XP activation, you should be able to use it without getting locked out of the system. Method 2.

Open the Winkey Finder website. Winkey Finder is a free, no-install program that can locate and retrieve your Windows XP product key. Click on the latest version of Winkey Finder. As of January , this is version 2. Since this version is currently in beta, you can also download the final version of 1. Click Download Winkey Finder. You should see this button at the bottom of the Winkey version page. Right-click the Winkey folder.

It should be wherever you chose to save it when you clicked Download e. Click Extract All. Doing so will extract the locked file's contents onto your desktop. Double-click the Winkey Finder folder. This is the one you just extracted. Double-click the Win Keyfinder program. It should be the only executable ". View your product key. Running the Winkey Finder program should immediately display your Windows XP product key, allowing you to apply the key to the Windows XP activation wizard the next time Windows asks you to update.

To be safe, be sure to write down the product key when you see it. Method 3. Restart your computer. You can choose this option from the Start menu, or you can simply hold down your computer's power button until it turns itself off and then press the button again. Tap F8 as soon as your computer logo appears. You'll need to do this during the first time the logo appears after rebooting.

Keep tapping F8 until you see the advanced options menu pop up. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Starting up your computer in this mode will bypass the Windows activation loop long enough for you to reset the timer for your XP trial. You'll need to wait a minute or so for Safe Mode to load. Type " explorer. You should see a dialogue window pop up after doing so. You may need to wait for a minute or so before the window comes up.

Click Yes. This may also say OK. After doing so, you should notice that your desktop interface is now accessible. This will bring up the Run tool from which you can complete the fix. Type " rundll This command resets the Windows XP trial clock to 30 days.

When your welcome screen finishes loading, you should be able to log in like usual rather than being stuck in the activation loop. You have a certain period of time to activate Windows. After this period, Windows will be stuck on the login screen in an activation loop.

Not Helpful 16 Helpful Can I do this more than once? I have already done the 30 days one, a. Step 3. Nothing I do is working this time around. You can only rearm the timer up to four times while in the grace period, or two times in safe mode. Not Helpful 2 Helpful Not Helpful 6 Helpful If you are in safe mode, boot into safe mode with command prompt and type in: explorer. Technically the operating system is still loaded; its just limited great if you can't load xp.

Not Helpful 10 Helpful Microsoft stopped support for Windows XP on April 8, , and it is no longer being updated. If there is a bug, then it will never be fixed.