Windows IT Pro is the authoritative and independent resource for windows nt, windows 2000, windows 2003, windows xp. Features a collection of resources and magazines for windows IT professionals.
  
  
  Advanced Search 


August 06, 2001

How do I activate Windows XP from the command line?

A Web Exclusive from FAQ for Windows
John Savill
Windows XP
InstantDoc #22057
FAQ for Windows
Email this Article
Printer Friendly
Reader Comments
Digg This
Del.icio.us
RSS
Subscribe to Windows IT Pro | See More Licensing Articles Here | Reprints | Or get the Monthly Online Pass—only $5.95 a month!

A. Windows XP will typically remind you to activate the product (most users will have 30 days to activate XP after installation). To activate XP manually, you can use the Start menu shortcut in the System Tools Accessories folder. At the command prompt, type

oobe/msoobe /a

In case you're wondering, msoobe stands for "Microsoft Out of Box Experience."

End of Article

Reader Comments
I want to upgrade my laptop and my desktop using the same xp upgrade form win me is it possible or do I need to buy xp twice.?????

Jackie November 27, 2003

in order to activate the window xp, which files should i need and how should i get that one through internet .
please give me website address in order to download the necessary files .

dangol February 09, 2004

I get a "Microsoft Out of Box Experience has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." error when activating my Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2. What is the problem?

ferdinandsee December 02, 2004 (Article Rating: )

send me latest down loads

Anonymous User January 30, 2005

jahaha, yes you need to buy atleast 20 more copies of winxp suckaa :) btw join #corpse-s3x @ qnet.org kthx

Anonymous User August 10, 2005 (Article Rating: )

i have installed windows xp service pack two...now windows requires activation key and i have not activation key...plz send ..

Anonymous User August 20, 2005 (Article Rating: )

Very informative information. Thank you!

Barricuda April 20, 2008 (Article Rating: )

You must log on before posting a comment.

If you don't have a username & password, please register now.




Top Viewed ArticlesView all articles
Friday at PASS Europe 2006

Kevin talks about the closing day of the event and shares a funny Microsoft film. ...

PsExec

This freeware utility lets you execute processes on a remote system and redirect output to the local system. ...

More fun TechEd 2005 Resources

Kevin points out some more TechEd resources ...
Windows OSs Whitepapers Why SaaS is the Right Solution for Log Management

Are You Satisfied?

A Preliminary Look at Deployment Plans for Microsoft Windows Vista
Related Events Check out our list of Free Email Newsletters!
Windows OSs eBooks Understanding and Leveraging Code Signing Technologies

A Guide to Windows Certification and Public Keys

SQL Server Administration for Oracle DBAs
Related Windows OSs Resources Become a VIP member of the Windows IT Pro community!
Get it all with the VIP CD and VIP access. A $500+ value for only $279!

Subscribe to Windows IT Pro!
Solve your toughest technical problems with our experts and access 10,000 + articles online. 30% off

Monthly Online Pass - Only $5.95!
Get instant access to 10,000+ articles from Windows IT Pro Magazine!

TechNet Virtual Labs
Evaluate and test Microsoft's newest products.

Job Openings in IT

ADS BY GOOGLE SPONSORED LINKS FEATURED LINKS

Microsoft Exchange & Windows Connections event returns to Las Vegas Nov 10 - 13
Connections returns to Las Vegas for this exciting event where each attendee will receive SQL Server 2008 standard with 1 CAL. Co-located with Microsoft ASP.NET, SQL Server, and SharePoint Connections with over 250 in-depth sessions.

Free Online Event! Virtualization:Get the Facts!
Register now and attend this free, live in-depth online conference on November 13 and 20, 2008, produced by Windows IT Pro. All registrants are eligible to receive a complimentary one-year digital subscription to Windows IT Pro (a $49.95 value)!

Check Out Hyper-V Video on ITTV
Watch Karen Forster's interview on Hyper-V's performance on ITTV.net.

Ease Your Scripting Pains with the Flexibility of PowerShell!
Join MVP Paul Robichaux on December 11, 2008 at 11:00 AM EDT as he equips you with PowerShell basics in 3 introductory lessons, each followed by a live Q&A session—all on your own computer!

Latest Advancements in SSL Technology
There are a variety of different kinds of SSL to explore to ensure customer data is kept confidential and secure. In this paper, we will discuss some of these SSL advances to help you decide which would be best for your organization.

PASS Community Summit 2008 in Seattle on Nov 18-21
The don’t-miss event for Microsoft SQL Server Professionals. Register now and you’ll enjoy top-notch Microsoft and Community speakers and more.



Speed Up Your PC!
Try Diskeeper 2008 with InvisiTasking Free Now!

Get Protected -- Data Protection Manager 2007
Protect your virtualized environment with Data Protection Manager

Agent-less Remote Backup Service, Free 30 Day Trial
Award winning remote backup service at a competitive price with no min GB/month. Sign up Now!

ScriptLogic Cartoon Caption Contest
Submit your caption and you will be entered to win $198.42

Order Your SQL Fundamentals CD Today!
Learn how to use SQL Server, understand Office integration techniques and dive into the essentials of SQL Express and Visual Basic with this free SQL Fundamentals CD.

Maximize Your SharePoint Investment: Get Your Data Moving
Watch this web seminar now to learn how to maximize your SharePoint investment! Join us as we take a look at the complex business of securing, accessing and managing vast amounts of information in a global network and various ways to get your data moving.

List Your Products in Our Technology Resource Directory
Don't miss the chance to post your free listing in this comprehensive directory for IT and developer professionals, powered by Windows IT Pro. But hurry! Deadline ends Oct. 9.
Windows IT Pro Home Register FAQ for Windows WinInfo News
Europe Edition About Us Contact Us/Customer Service Media Kit Affiliates / Licensing  
SQL Server Magazine Office & SharePoint Pro Windows Dev Pro IT Job Hound ITTV
IT Library Technology Resource Directory Connected Home Windows Excavator Windows SuperSite 
 
 Windows IT Pro is a Division of Penton Media Inc.
 Copyright © 2008 Penton Media, Inc., All rights reserved. Terms and Use | Privacy Statement | Reprints and Licensing