Ok..as you all know by now, I crashed my computer, not once, but twice this year.

I finally re installed Windows XP Professional and validated it. Now the problem is is that every time I turn on my computer the last 3 days, it keeps telling me I have % days (at last count) to validate Windows. Then I follow the link to validate it and it says its already validated!

I'm afraid its going to crash again in 4 days..what can I do to fix this? Does anyone know???

There should be a phone number available somewhere in there to contact Microsoft ...

This might be it ... http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312295
One possible location ... http://forums.microsoft.com/Genuine/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=442&SiteID=25
Help and Support: http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx?rdpath=1&gprid=1173

Good luck!

Thanks Bob..let me see what I can do with this info. The funny thing is is that I have to copies for XP..one is corporate and can be used on several computers but I guess I didn't install that one, I installed the other one and now I'm having problems. Although it was a legit copy, Microsoft says I can't use it again...it was the original version I installed on mine and my sons computer a while back and now they say since its been used once, it can't be used again. I'm not sure I understand all this validation crap..I'm not sure they even know what they're doing anymore..

Will they sell or provide another code that will work?

I need to call Microsoft again today. I ran the diagnostic Toll ans the report came back that my product key isn't valid so its blocked! Can you believe that? On top of it, I have all my restore discs for my "other" computer which died (but I still have the operating system in this computer as the back operating system) and I can't even use it. I am going to call them and see if I can get them to release a key, otherwise, I'm just going to go out and buy a new version. I hate the fact that I have bought my versions already and can't use them. I'm really not happy at the moment.

Big bad greedy companies. I had the same thing happen to me a while back and ended up having to go out and buy an "upgrade" package just for the stupid key. I understand that they do not want 20 people using the same software but it is ridiculous that you cannot use it for the same machine that has crashed. No wonder Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world!

I was able to ... my father too, to puchase a key from MS while on the phone with them trying to resolve the issue ... we actually tested the key and made sure all was cool before we got off the phone.

I BELIEVE the cost was around $30 ?!? But don't quote me on that one ...

30 bucks isn't bad..that I can handle..its something I may have to explore.
Thanks again, Bob.

Just an update on the validation issue..and as usual, its an interesting story.

After reading through all the sites and all the advice given I decided to call Microsoft this morning beginning shortly before 8 am. I am just getting off the phone now..its past 1 pm.

After explaining my dilemma, and proving that my version of windows was indeed valid, the tech's were very willing to help. I let them take over my computer and we learned that somehow the installation went bad and the product key generated wasn't valid. My original PC came with a pre installed operating system which is part of the problem. Then I changed some parts in my computer..another problem. The disks no longer work(they are scratched which I didn't know since I never had to use them before and the product number on the main disk is worn off) and although the people at Microsoft spent the last six hours GIVING me default keys, nothing worked. The last hope was to purchase a WGA installation kit from the sales department. More problems..the price of that is actually more than purchasing a new copy of XP and while the tech actually begged the guy in the sales department to cut me some slack, they couldn't help. They were the least helpful of all.

My advice to anyone buying a new PC..don't get a pre installed operating system...buy the disk instead. At least the tech's will help if they can..

Off i go sometime this weekend to attempt to purchase a new copy..not fun.

WOW ... sorry the information did not help. I knew that MS increased prices on old OSs to generate a push for the new, but I never knew they were going to be this bad about it ... at least you can have some fun getting out and shopping ... one of those events I always enjoy!

Bob,

To tell you the truth, I've been home all week sick. I haven't been able to leave the house since I can't walk (another story). As much as I would love to go shopping, I know I really can't afford to right now. I will have to keep rolling the pennies and see if I can come up with the money to buy the new disk. I currently have XP Professional but I know I will probably need to install XP Home. It alot cheaper and I really need the software. The worst that can happen will be that I will be without a computer for another week (so what else is new).

Now of this would have happened if the hosting company didn't have that glltch that caused the dumping of all the memory on my PC.

Oh well..b****ing isn't going to help right now. Microsoft was great though..they just couldn't help me. I know they really did try.

I wish I could help you ... not much I can do ... frustrating.