Activation problem following slipstreaming

[AndrewAfresh]

I slipstreamed XP using NLite and forgot to include the 'activate windows' option (I assumed typing my key into NLite would take care of it) - now I can't activate windows - error 0x80004005. I've followed kb article 914232 (basically replace a few files from the Windows XP disk) and it's still the same. Is there another way I can activate windows or have I lost all my files/software?

 

[mrfatbox]

have you still got the original xp disk you used to make the nlite copy

 

[AndrewAfresh]

Yes I have the original XP disk - I copied the activation files from it (using the recovery console) as the Microsoft KB workround suggested but the same error came up when I rebooted.

 

[mrfatbox]

if you use that disk to do a repair of the windows install you should be able to sort your problem

 

[AndrewAfresh]

ok... Will repairing overwrite all my files in
C:\Documents and Settings\{NAME}\My Documents\
?

 

[mrfatbox]

no if you do a repair it will not
but at some point you should backup your documents and do a clean install again

on a second note you should always back up you documents 16GB USBflash drive under £8 on amazon with free delivery
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-Cruzer-Blade-Flash-Drive/dp/B002U1ZBG0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332833009&sr=8-2

 

[AndrewAfresh]

Thank you mrfatbox ... that worked. Can i ask (1) why should i do a clean install? and (2) do you think things like nLite are good tools or should i go back to just use the original xp disk when i install?