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What if I don't register Win

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by lmcdonald 1 view

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What happens if I do not register my version of WinXP Pro? I have 2 days and then it says I will not be able to use it? What exactly will happen?

7 replies

by shiny_topadm

I assume you mean 'activate' and not register. Activation enforces the license restrictions by pairing your product key and the hardware it's installed on. If you do not do this within 30 days of the install, your system will fail to boot. I don't think anything catastrophic happens if it's currently running. Registration is optional and gives M/S info about you and your PC that they can use for marketing, etc. Unless your site has a volume license, each computer installation needs to be activated (and registration is your choice), assuming that you have a legitimately purchased copy of the software. HTH...

by shiny_topadm

If you are going to fdisk and start over, I'd do it now if you have the time. I assume you're not in a network (with a domain) environment so you don't need some of the 'pro' stuff?

by lmcdonald

You were right, I meant activate. What I really want to do is get rid of the XP Pro anyway and go back to my XP Home. But I found out that I cannot reinstall the XP Home over the XP Pro. Is it best to fdisk now or just wait until the activation period runs out (1.5 days).

by lmcdonald

You were right, I meant activate. What I really want to do is get rid of the XP Pro anyway and go back to my XP Home. But I found out that I cannot reinstall the XP Home over the XP Pro. Is it best to fdisk now or just wait until the activation period runs out (1.5 days).

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