I had the same problem after installing a new drive on my machine last week.
All I did was click the activation option. My ghosted image was actually
from October last year, this allowed me to go back to a complete clean
install rather than later images which had other software installed which I
didn't want. The activation went just fine over the internet. If you do
happen to get a refusal or a 'product key already in use' just select the
'telephone' option. This is an automated service so please listen carefully
to the instructions. If it still does not activate after you have gone
through the automated procedure then 'don't hang up' stay on the line and
you will be transferred to a 'real' person who will help you activate your
system.
PS: After activation don't forget to image your newly activated hard drive.
--
--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience
Web:
http://www.winuser.co.uk
Web:
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web:
http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web:
http://www.silversurfer-guide.com
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"squeesy cheese" <guest@unknown-email.com> wrote in message
news:fe0d7e1ad209743916137ff061bd2e24@nntp-gateway.com...
>
> hi all, here's the problem, I ran out of space on my 40gig so I went out
> and bought a new 80gig sata drive, I ghosted all my stuff across to the
> new drive and it boots up fine. left it last night turned on connected
> to the net cause it was doing updates. logged on this morning and get
> the activation screen come up and it says i only have 3 days to activate
> it!! help!!
>
>
> --
> squeesy cheese