Wacky actions by registry

I have no start button, cannot run any programs, and am unable to even run regedit. I cannot download any programs from the net and dont have any more ideas of what to do to fix this. I do have a copy of my xp cd but the key for it was lost. What can I do?!?!?!?

halurd Sep 19, 2008

Can someone help me activate my xp home edition?

3 Answers

Anonymous

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233 Answers

Do the simple solution!

Sounds like you have the Task Bar hidden at the bottom of the screen (If that is where you had it last - that is the normal position)
Hover your mouse on the bottom of the screen and look for the double arrows to appear.
Then just drag the Task Bar back up into its normal position.

Posted on Nov 15, 2008

Anonymous Nov 15, 2008

As far as the missing Product Key is concerned.

Call Microsoft and explain the situation, have a magnifying glass handy to read the tiny engraved lettering in the center of the CD disk.
If you have some kind of sales receipt, or other "Proof of Purchase" have it handy too.
They can create a new product key for you.
This method will only work if you have a legal copy of the program.

Some folks like for you to waste time, effort and money, don't they?

John Anderson

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310 Answers

Hi, best thing to try is go into safe mode by pressing F8 key when computer is first switched on and selecting safe mode. then see if you can use regedit. if not use MSCONFIG then go to startup in top right corner and untick any programs you dont reconize. as the start button should appear in safe mode. if you get that far let me know i will send you some registy parts to modify to get it back all the best John

Posted on Feb 25, 2007

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624 Answers

I agree with you that the best thing to do here is to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. As an alternative (probably not a good one long term) would be to boot off the XP CD and try to repair your XP install. Generally my experience with repairs has been negative. Even if it works the result has so many other problems I wind up reformatting anyway. If you got this copy of XP from a manufactured PC then the license sticker should be on the exterior of the PC case somewhere. Microsoft has been requiring that for several years now from anyone who sells Windows with a PC. If you purchased software this as an upgrade and have some proof of purchase you might be able to call Microsoft and convince them to issue you another activation key. After you install the home edition you will be prompted to activate your install, use the phone number it lists. Surprisingly I?ve found them to be relatively pleasant and helpful so you might be successful. If you don?t have proof of purchase the only legal way to proceed will be to purchase another full XP license. Good luck and please don?t forget to rate this post.

Posted on Feb 22, 2007

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