Windows XP Mandatory Activation Crash

After a Windows XP repair installation the mandatory activation crashes preventing logon.

This will happen after a copy of Windows XP SP3 (with Internet Explorer 8) has been repaired using a pre-SP3 Windows XP disc. It is caused by the fact that IE8 requires SP3. SP3 gets removed from the system during the repair and the activation requires IE to function. The solution is to uninstall IE8 by following these steps:

WARNING: If your copy of XP was from a Vista downgrade be prepared for an activation that is fraught with danger. It isn't impossible but they certainly don't want you to do it.

  • Reboot the system into "Safe Mode Command Prompt".
  • Hit: alt-ctrl-del.
  • Click on the "New Task" button.
  • Type "explorer.exe" and hit enter.
  • Make sure your Folder Options are set to show hidden and system files.
  • Navigate to & run: c:\Windows\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe.
  • Reboot when requested and you should now be able to activate.