How to Avoid Reactivating Windows XP After A Reinstall

There are many reasons for avoiding the Microsoft activation. But how do you do it. Well read my article and you will be able to re-install windows without a major hardware change and there will be no re-activation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Open My Computer or an Explorer window.

2. Navigate to your “C” drive > windows > system32.

3. Scroll down to you get to WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK

4. Right click WPA.DBL and choose “send to” then pick where you want to copy it to. Do the same for WPA.BAK

5. Now you can perform your format and reinstall of XP. When you get to the Activation screen, decline to activate it and let the install finish.

6. Restart Windows in “Safe Mode” (Press F8 at start-up then when the Advanced Boot Options menu appears choose Safe Mode) your computer will boot into safe mode.

7. Navigate back to where you stored the WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK

8. In My Computer or an Explorer window navigate to where you stored the WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK.

9. Drag/drop your backed up WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK to “C:\windows\system32\ folder.
   This will replace the existing file.

10. Reinstall all your programs and backed up files.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up the folder documents and settings before you start

[Rogerrobert]

on 9/29/2008 Can anyone help I need to take away Vista and replace it with a proper copy of XP I have never done this before a little help would go a long way.
Thank you

[mrchuck999]

on 1/8/2008 Keep in mind: If you have made a major hardware change, this might not protect you. But, its important to note that if you make a hardware change, Do not format your hard drive. These files coupled with the VSN (VOLUME SERIAL NUMBER) could be the difference between getting an automated activation and needing to call Microsoft.

[gizmo2010]

on 1/4/2008 Cool! Just what I needed! Love it.

[PattyOh]

on 1/4/2008 Thank you thank you thank you! This is really useful info to have.