Backup Windows XP WPA

[Stringent]

Does this still work? I have never tried it. Need to reformat my normal box. Don't want to activate again, cos MS might moan for installing it again on my box!

Activate Windows XP from Floppy Diskette Backup

Circumstances arise where you'll need to reinstall Windows XP on your machine when no hardware changes have been made. Rather than go through the reactivation process, create a floppy disk to back up the activation status file. Once XP has been reinstalled the floppy can be used to restore the previous activation status.
Create the Activation Status Floppy Diskette

* Navigate to %systemroot%\system32 folder.
* Copy the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files to the floppy diskette.

Reinstall Windows XP

* Reinstall XP in the normal manner. After the install is completed and the XP Out Of Box Experience (OOBE) appears where you'd normally activate the product, decline to activate and let the installation complete.

Activate the XP Reinstallation

* Restart the computer and use the F8 key to bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
* Select Minimal Safe Mode using Up and Down Arrow Keys and press Enter.
* Navigate to %systemroot%\system32 folder.
* Rename the existing wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files.
* Using the floppy diskette, copy the previously backed up wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files to the %systemroot%\system32 folder.
* Reboot the computer.

[funnelhead]

well i dont know... but ill certainly try this out tomorrow as i work in a second hand computer shop in cambridge and 50% of the install time is ringing up microsft in india and spouting 42 digit codes at someone.

I'll let you know how it goes!

f