Saturday August 30 2008
Posted By: From time to time people ask me to fix there computers and make sure that Windows runs smooth again. In almost every case the computer needs to be re-installed with an edition of Windows XP. When you re-install a computer you have to reactive Windows XP again. If you don’t reactive your Windows XP withing 30 days you wouldn’t be able to log in. So you really have to reactive your Windows XP.
This can be a pain in the ass, because Microsoft has limited the installation of Windows XP on a computer. So if you have re-installed and reactive your Windows XP version too much, then you have to buy a new version. Stupid right? However there is a way to backup and restore your current Windows activation! Whenever someone brings me there computer, the first thing I do is backup there activation before I start with backing up there stuff and re-installing Windows XP on there computers. 
NOTE: Before I go on, this will ONLY work if you have the SAME hardware!
Backing up Windows Activation:
- After the Windows activation, the Windows Product Activation database files (wpa.dbl and wpa.bak) will be saved into your PC. We can backup the files and then restore later to skip Windows activation.
- Go to the following folder
C:\WINDOWS\system32
- In this folder you’ll find two files:
- wpa.dbl
- wpa.bakThis two files are very small, 4,75 kb to be exactly!
Just save the files on for example your USB drive. - You’re done backing up the Windows Activation!
- You can proceed with formatting and re-installing Windows XP.
Restoring Windows Activation:
- When you’re done with re-installing Windows XP, start Windows XP in Safe Mode. Just press F8 key when booting to show windows mode selection menu.
- When you are in Safe Mode, Go to the “system32″ folder of Windows installation:
C:\WINDOWS\system32
- If exists, rename the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files in the “system32″ folder to something else.
_WPA.BAK_ and _WPA.DBL_ should work.
- Now, copy your backup copy of wpa.dbl and wpa.bak into the “system32″ folder.
- Reboot and you are done!
Note: The backup only works when you are reinstall Windows XP on the same or similar hardware PC. It does not work for ANOTHER PC for obvious reason.
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Category: Tips & Tricks: PC | 
12 Comments | 
There are 12 comment(s) for this article so far ;)
any similar tips for Vista? Have a good weekends!
Well, sorry Shaxx. I’m still a Windows XP Pro user so I don’t have an idea how it’s done in Vista. However I think that it should be the same in Vista.
Thanks for becoming the top 10 droppers – http://kisahberuang.com/index.php/2008/09/01/top-10-ec-droppers-for-aug-2008/
shaxxs last blog post..Top 10 EC Droppers for Aug 2008
MS really needs to do something about allowing reactivation after hardware changes – I recently ran into a problem with an eMachines computer – was told that the customer would have to purchase new software because of having changed the motherboard (hers was fried). Was not at all satisfactory!
Interesting blog – I don’t DO computer repair stuff any more – or try not to at least (some of my former customers are resistant to the notion) …but still interesting reading
flits last blog post..Creative Nonfiction
Wow, I’m in the top 10 spot again!
I love to read and drop on your blog Shaxx. Now I’m going to try to be at the top 10 droppers for this month! 
Thnx a lot Flit!
I can imagine that the customer wasn’t satisfied. I mean this is really crazy, reactive your Windows too much and you have got to pay! I don’t know how things are in Vista, but I sure hope that MS does something about this problem!
you deserve it my friend!
shaxxs last blog post..406 No More
Thnx Shaxx!
I’ve been using Vista for almost a year, is running very well, but I’m afraid that if I have to format the hard drive, I don’t have the CD to do it. It is trustworthy to use the recovery unit included in the pc?
Well, to be honest Motorcycle Fairings , I don’t have that much experiences with Vista. I’m running Vista for two weeks. But why do you want to format your hard disk when Vista is running very well? And if you format it, do you want to install Vista again?? If so, you can use the Vista install dvd to format your hard disk before you re-install it again.
And if you want to backup your stuff you can use Cobain Backup!
I disagree with those who say that XP is way better than Vista. Vista has more utilities and protection for your computer. XP doesn’t.
Yes, Vista has a lot more utilities but some of them aren’t necessary Outdoor Furniture!
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