One page suggested attempting to register and activate at the same time if you can get as far as the activation page and they think that may bypass the problem.
But two others suggested simply calling Microsoft and they will ask you a few questions and after you answer them, they will reset your Activation limit. Worth a try, if you already haven't.
-Kevin S.
I own a perfectly legitimate retail CD of Windows XP Home Edition. I am consider myself to be a hardware and software hobbiest in which I try lots of software, mess up my system on a regular basis and re-install Windows multiple times. It has now come to my attention that I must PAY to continue activating my software. Microsoft's site and any associated downloads with genuine advantage checks tell me my product has FAILED. The exact message is ''Validation Faliure: Activation Limit Exceeded''.
According to Microsoft's Activation team, my software is ''Activated'' through Windows Activation. When I double-click on Activate Windows, it says "Windows is already activated." According to Microsoft Customer Support, by giving them the product code from the hologram on my CD, my CD is an authentic retail CD. According to Microsoft Customer Support, I must pay to purchase a new license if I wish to continue using this CD.
What gives???
A ''Genuine Advantage Kit'' costs $99.00. Or I could send in my ''Counterfeit'' CD to Microsoft and pray they consider me eligible for a free ''Genuine Advantage Kit (whatever that is). In which I have to fill out a piracy report for a genuine product I paid for. I actually wonder what would happen if I sent them my genuine CD.
For all of those I've flamed over the years for running pirated Microsoft products. I FORGIVE YOU!
Jc

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