7 days to activate Windows XP... it's already activated ?!

[Sophie.annelies]

OK so I just started up my laptop and apparently I have 7 days to activate my operating system, presumably before it locks me out. When I click "yes" to activate now, it says I've already activated! So when these 7 days are up is it going to realise this or lock me out... hrm I think the former 

Any help? Thanks!!

[Quantos]

I suggest contacting who you bought the computer from.

[Sophie.annelies]

Ah yes well this is a legit copy of XP however my computer was assasinated by viruses and I had to reinstall, which obviously didn't work out too well with an OEM copy. HP didn't give me a recovery disk and I couldn't make one myself because Vista was an epic fail. So I found a key on the net figuring that I'm not buying another operating system

And the key worked.. until now. Is it actually activated and it's just a question of making it realise this so it doesn't lock me out? lol

[Quantos]

Ah yes well this is a legit copy of XP however my computer was assasinated by viruses and I had to reinstall, which obviously didn't work out too well with an OEM copy. HP didn't give me a recovery disk and I couldn't make one myself because Vista was an epic fail. So I found a key on the net figuring that I'm not buying another operating system

And the key worked.. until now. Is it actually activated and it's just a question of making it realise this so it doesn't lock me out? lol

We don't assist in pirating.  Use the OS that came with it.

[Sophie.annelies]

I just said I don't have it ... OK nvm 

[Quantos]

Then phone whoever you bought the computer from or the manufacturer.

[Sid]

legit copy of XP --- I found a key on the net

Sorry, but then it's not a legit copy of XP.

Is there a code sticker stuck to your machine somewhere?

[CBMatt]

So I found a key on the net

That is exactly why you are having problems.  Call 1-800-MICROSOFT for assistance.  If you can prove that you own a legal copy (they will explain how), they may provide you with a new key.  In my experience, they are generally quite accommodating.