1. Boot into “Safe Mode“. To do this, press F8 as it is booting
up. Go into “Safe Mode” by choosing the “Safe Mode” option.
2. Once you are at the desktop in “Safe Mode”, Click “Start” then
click “Run“.
3. At the run command prompt type the following EXACTLY:
rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupOobeBnk
(NOTE: The “Oo”‘s in Oobe are “o’s” – not “zero’s” There is one
space after rundll32.exe. It is case sensitive.)
4. Click OK – wait a few seconds – This just reset Windows
Activation for 30 days.
5. Reboot the PC into normal mode – log in – re-activate
Windows.
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If you are comfortable working in the registry you can try this:
Go into Safe Mode
Once in Windows go to Start -> Run -> type Regedit ->
OK/Enter
On Left Side:
Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Expand Software
Expand Microsoft
Expand Windows NT
Expand CurrentVersion
Click WPAEvents
Make a backup of the key:
File -> Export
Browse to "My Document"
Give the file a Name (Eg WPAEvents)
Click Save
On Right Side:
Double Click OOBETimer
Delete any of the values
Exit Regedit
Restart the PC and see if you can now activate
Note you may have to enter your product key again.