slipstreamed xp with nlite, how do I install without reactivating

[21brian12]

Last two times Ive reformated Ive had to call microsoft to activate xp. Seems after installing a new hard drive, memory, burner and doing a few reformats my key is no longer valid. To get to the point how can install my streamlined xp without having to reactivate over the phone? I know I need wpa.dbl. Is there anything else I need? How do I use the volume id tool? I really dont like having to call microsuck and be treated rudely to activate my legal copy of xp.

[Cyntek]

I know this Thread is little old but, can we please get an answer or advise !! Yes, I too would like to know how this would be possible to do?

[fdv]

If you keep swapping hardware out, the WPA data file won't help. XP sees it as a new computer after a few hardware changes.

You could do like I did (but with Office XP) and call them to "reset the key" (which they told me they could do TWICE on TWO separate phone calls) only to have them tell you that that's impossible on the third call.

(It felt really good to be treated that way after I'd bought a few thousand dollars' worth of licenses and a VLK and they said it was OK to install one retail copy over and over during deployment, since I had all of the licenses and was 100% legal... and after the fourth install, the key went bad.)

Anyway, your limitation here is not with nLite or any action you can take. The best thing to do, if you can, is to go to e-bay and try to upgrade XP by buying a copy of Windows 2000. You'll have a faster OS, a cleaner interface, and several other enhancements like a lack of compatibility with IE7.

Edited April 10, 2008 by fdv