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XP installation problem

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5 replies

by daedalusk71

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Reloading a PC

Using a retail copy fresh out of the cellophane

Install goes well until the point where you would normally add users and set automatic updates. The install completely skips over this part and reboots. The Administrator uers is the only option at the welcome screen (never got the chance to add any) When you attempt to enter the Administrator account you get the same message as when you don't activate windows for 30 days.

Any ideas? Remember, I cannot get past the welcome screen.

5 replies

by seanferd

If you can get into Safe Mode, you should be able to set up other accounts. I don't know if Windows will go through activation in Safe Mode, but worth a try.

If it is simply an activation issue, you will need to contact Microsoft.

by willcomp

If hard disk had an OS previously installed, you may need to wipe hard disk using DBAN prior to installing XP. Repartitioning and formatting only can leave remnants behind that interfere with XP installation.

Are you positive your copy of XP is legit?

by daedalusk71

Thanks for the ideas,

No, the old partition was blown out.

Yes, this is definitely a legitimate copy. It is an out of the package, hologrammed, copy.

Update: A third copy, owned by a friend, was used without activating it. Once it was powered up we used the telephone method to activate it. So the problem was solved but the issue remains.

Why would the install completely skip over a section and still function?

by seanferd

It sounds awfully weird.

There have been cases where MS has mistakenly invalidated license keys. Even for copies purchased directly from MS.

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