Activating Windows XP

After you install Windows XP, you'll be asked to activate and register the software. Though activating and registering sound similar, these are actually two different steps that provide different benefits.
Activation is the process that unlocks Windows XP. This process helps ensure your software is genuine, which in turn helps protect you from inadvertently installing counterfeit software. If you were not able to activate Windows XP during the setup process, you should activate it as soon as possible after setup is complete. After 30 days, Microsoft will require you to activate Windows XP before allowing you to log on and use it. After you activate Windows XP, you can validate the operating system, which will grant you access to hundreds of free downloads.
Registration is optional and provides Microsoft with your contact information so that they can notify you of important updates and offers.
To activate and register Windows XP after you've completed setup

1. Connect your computer to the Internet.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Activate Windows.
3. On the Let's activate Windows page, click Yes. Then, click Next.
4. On the Register with Microsoft? page, click Yes. Then, click Next.
5. On the Collecting registration data page, complete the form. Then, click Next.
6. The Activate Windows Wizard then connects to the Internet to activate and register your copy of Windows. On the Thank You! page, click OK.
Now your copy of Windows XP is activated and registered.