I have been using XP for about 2 years with no problems. Then yesterday I installed a new DVD RW and got a message that I had changed my computer and needed to activate XP. I tried, but the file to open the activation window is corrupted (or that is the message I get), I even tried running oobe/msoobe /a and was told that is corrupted. How do I get my system reactivated....MS support was totally useless. after 9 calls with NO help, but being transferred to someone else, I gave up. To add insult to injury, MS said they could sell me another copy of XP for $150 or tell me how to fix it for $35.....maybe.

On top of that, I am getting a message that says I have only 2 days left to activate.

HELP!!!

Ok, with Windows XP, to stop the theft of XP (however little it was effective), they limited the amount of hardware you could change per install. Which is balls.
Each piece of hardware has a unique ID code, and XP tracks them all..if it notices one has been replaced, it remembers...I think you get 3 pieces of major hardware changes.

Now I'm not sure why it has happened after a new DVD RW was installed, but something may have corrupted Windows.

Start -> Run -> sfc /scannow

this will scan and fix all your corrupt/missing system files (sfc = System File Checker)

Once SFC is finished, try doing the same steps as you did earlier. It may work now.

At first I thought my computer had locked up, it seemed to check only the "protected files" and took 2 hours to do that. But it fixed the activation screen and I was able to activate....so thanks mate, owe you a brew!!

Better Still Go Signature Verification Page To See If All Files Are Digitally Signed

Glad to have helped cyber_hawke...come back anytime