So I have been asked to upgrade a machine running valid XP ( i have product key etc) I have put the old hdd in the new PC and gotten the usual "hardware has changed, you have 3 days to authorize" message. Unfortunately regardless of whether I click "Yes authorize now" or "no" it logs me straight back off.

Safe mode also logs me straight back off.

Doing a repair install breaks it ( somehow windows was installed on the second partition of the drive and repair install makes it the D drive thus breaking most software installed ).

I'm after a way which I could remove the product key / activation all together and get prompted for it again, or some way to log into windows so I can get to the registry or run the activation wizard manually.

ideas ?

eds i hate you

Safe mode also logs me straight back off.

Sorry, I didnt see the safe mode logs me off part.

usually when i have a problem with activatoin(has happend to me, not this prolblem but other problems) i just call microsoft and they activate it for me.

so just call em up and see what they have to say.