If you cannot successfully activate via the internet, then choose the alternative option to "activate by phone".
How to activate Windows XP by phone:
To contact a Microsoft customer service representative to activate Windows by phone, follow these steps:
1. Click 'Start', point to 'All Programs', point to 'Accessories', point to 'System Tools', and then click 'Activate Windows'.
Or,
click the Windows Activation icon in the notification area (aka system Tray).
Or,
clicking Start button, then Run, and type in "oobe/msoobe /a", then press the Enter key located on your keyboard.
2. Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to active Windows now.
3. Follow the steps in the Activate Windows by phone dialog box, and then click Next.
4. When activation is completed and you receive the following message, click OK.
"You have successfully activated your copy of Windows".
How to activate Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890/en-us
