Corrupted WinXP License after repair

February 7th, 2020

I have a computer I’m working on for free for my church, that is just SOL right now. It has a valid Windows XP license, but after some major issues the OS got corrupted. I performed a repair using a Windows XP disc, but now every time I boot the computer, I get stuck in a loop.
It tries to log into the user account, then says “a problem has prevented windows from accurately checking the status of the license for this computer”
I have attempted to activate the computer using its valid license and it fails. I’ve even tried calling the phone line and registering with them. No good.
And if I don’t register, it kicks me out. I can get in just fine with Safe Mode, but I can’t seem to do anything there to fix the problem anymore. It had been working fine with the “rundll32.exe syssetup,setupoobebnk” trick for a few months, but now that doesn’t seem to work anymore.
So far as I can tell, the issue has to do with a “wpa.dbl” file in System32 that I should’ve backed up before repairing.
I’ve tried all the solutions I can find on google, but they don’t seem to work. So I figured I’d ask the pirate community if they knew any more creative ways of forcing this copy of XP to be licensed.
Possibly a valid copy of wpa.dbl + a change in the registry?
Or is there a way for me to re-make my original wpa.dbl?
Any help would be appreciated.

Answer #1
When you say you “performed a repair using a Windows XP disc” what type of repair did you do ? An “over the top” repair install is generally the best way to go, using exactly the same version of XP that is installed on the pc. (Making sure that all peripherals are disconnected, it’s often better using a ps2 mouse and keyboard if possible also rather than USB when doing it).
eg
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair1.htm
Answer #2
When you say you "performed a repair using a Windows XP disc" what type of repair did you do ? An "over the top" repair install is generally the best way to go, using exactly the same version of XP that is installed on the pc. (Making sure that all peripherals are disconnected, it's often better using a ps2 mouse and keyboard if possible also rather than USB when doing it).
eg
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair1.htm

I’m referring to the same repair that your link describes. I’m 90% sure (I did this repair months ago so I don’t fully remember) that I used the exact version of Windows that was printed on the computer itself.
Answer #3
*get(burn) a live-cd
*boot with the live-cd, move all the important files(docs,…) from your computer to a USB stick, then delete the hard drive and reboot the computer.
*Install a clean version of windows XP.
Answer #4
When you say you "performed a repair using a Windows XP disc" what type of repair did you do ? An "over the top" repair install is generally the best way to go, using exactly the same version of XP that is installed on the pc. (Making sure that all peripherals are disconnected, it's often better using a ps2 mouse and keyboard if possible also rather than USB when doing it).
eg
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/operatingsystems/ss/instxprepair1.htm

I'm referring to the same repair that your link describes. I'm 90% sure (I did this repair months ago so I don't fully remember) that I used the exact version of Windows that was printed on the computer itself.

Okey dokey, as has suggested above, I too would not waste any more time trying to repair, it’s probably full of registry errors anyway – just use a live Linux cd to get any data off it and format/fresh install.
As XP is no longer officially supported by M$, I personally would advise the church to splash out on Win 7. I’m sure they could even get a local IT firm/retailer to donate a copy (they can claim back against tax).
Answer #5
As XP is no longer officially supported by M$, I personally would advise the church to splash out on Win 7. I'm sure they could even get a local IT firm/retailer to donate a copy (they can claim back against tax).
Let me get this straight, So you don’t even know the computer specs, Yet you’re blindly recommending Win7?
Did it ever occur to you that maybe it can’t handle it? Also, Even without new updates, XP is still a very solid and usable OS. And security wise, There are no replacements for common sense and antivirus/firewall solutions (Well, Unless you use Linux that is, Where these are less important!)
Answer #6
XP is loved the world over none more than me,but xp is no longer safe even with a firewall/Antivirus and common sense,the church should move over to Windows 7 and the upgrade even if it means a cash outlay, this will save them from the cost of a hacked computer and all the pitfalls of todays Trojans and keyloggers ect.. take this advise the church that if they are going to stick with XP then disconnect it from the net.You can always try to boot ito safe mode and use Removewat to sort out the activation problem.
Answer #7
XP is loved the world over none more than me,but xp is no longer safe even with a firewall/Antivirus and common sense,the church should move over to Windows 7 and the upgrade even if it means a cash outlay, this will save them from the cost of a hacked computer and all the pitfalls of todays Trojans and keyloggers ect..
Complete nonsense!
You clearly have a lot to learn about computer security (No offense)
Windows security updates do very little to protect your computer from spyware!
Local code execution vulnerabilities (I.E in Windows itself or Windows Media Player) require you to open a malicious file that you either download or receive by e-mail (Antiviruses can usually detect those regardless to the actual spyware used) Then there’s remote Windows vulnerabilities which are completely useless against home users outside the local network (Internet) as everyone got a router nowadays (Plus Windows comes with a very basic FW which is switched on by default, So even if you only got an oldschool modem and no router, You’re still good!) Then there’s the remote code execution vulnerabilities in certain windows built-in apps (Such as Internet Explorer) that requires you to visit a malicious website in order to get infected. That’s pretty much what M$ security updates cover, Nothing else! If you’re not being careful enough, Nothing would save you! Most Antiviruses come with a web-protection module which should detect such malicious websites and stop the attack from actually taking place, But even if that fails (Or if if the particular AV doesn’t have web-protection) it should still be able to detect the file before it’s being executed (Unless extreme efforts were made to make it unrecognizable!) Also, Believe it or not, The sad truth is, That in most cases, If your PC get’s hacked, It’s your own fault for not being careful enough! While you can get infected by visiting a malicious website that will take advantage of an unpatched browser/java/flash player vulnerability to download and execute spyware without your permission, More commonly, It can happen from a file you download or an e-mail attachment you open (If it’s from an unknown, untrusted sender, Or if it’s someone you know but you didn’t ask em for the particular file) It could just be an app or a keygen, That by itself appears completely legitimate, And even runs as it’s should…BUT LITTLE do you know about what’s really happening “back stage”
There’s an old saying “Things aren’t always as they seem” and this could be completely true in this context, Because fact is, There are ways to bundle multiple EXEs together into one, So you could easily run an app or a keygen that is bundled with spyware, And you just won’t know it! (Both will run at the same time, Making you think it’s all peachy)
So common sense does play a big role here (Things like downloading only from posts made by long-time members, That have a lot of posts, Or made by a VIP. Or only from trusted uploaders if you’re using torrents. But even this, Is not always enough!) Then there’s also antiviruses (None of em is 100% effective, But they’re still useful!) and the last line of defense is the firewall of course, Some FWs are better than others, And if your AV fails to detect the particular spyware, You better hope your FW would pick up on it and prompt you for action, So you could block it. While new updates are still developed for Windows 7, And M$ “claim” it’s generally safer than XP, It doesn’t make it spyware-proof, Not at all actually! Either way, You could get infected if you’re not being careful enough!
Answer #8
you can do this. http://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/show/3381-how-to-fix-windows-xp-activation-after-a-windows-xp-repair also, an explanation of why win7 is better than winxp. http://www.novastar.net/gk-231015.pdf also, NEVER use cracks or in a public setting there are people that will turn you in.. meaning whoever uses the computer in the church could notice it’s been cracked, and call Microsoft..
Answer #9
As XP is no longer officially supported by M$, I personally would advise the church to splash out on Win 7. I'm sure they could even get a local IT firm/retailer to donate a copy (they can claim back against tax).
Let me get this straight, So you don't even know the computer specs, Yet you're blindly recommending Win7?
Did it ever occur to you that maybe it can't handle it? Also, Even without new updates, XP is still a very solid and usable OS. And security wise, There are no replacements for common sense and antivirus/firewall solutions (Well, Unless you use Linux that is, Where these are less important!)

A crappy old P4 with 1GB RAM will run Win 7, I’ve even had it running on a test machine with 512mb.
Here you go jumping the gun talking nonsense as usual – I never slated XP whatsoever in my post, I actually happen to like the OS and still use it. The reason I recommended 7 was for the setting, ie it’s a church, they wouldn’t need to use a “” version as they should be able to get legit by means I posted above. It’s common sense really!
Answer #10
The computer is not connected to the net, and is simply being used to watch and record security camera footage.
The only reason I am reluctant to just clean install XP is because I’d have to locate and reinstall the drivers and software.
Thanks, Radios for the link. I’ll see what happens with it.
Answer #11
The computer is not connected to the net, and is simply being used to watch and record security camera footage.
Not the best approach if you ask me!
In fact, Just because it’s used for CCTV it should be connected to the net.
With the right software, port forwarding and dynamic DNS provider, You could easily set up remote viewing.
So church employees would be able to watch it remotely from time to time. You could also put it into “alarm” mode before the chursh closes (Or set up a daily time table for it) So it’d do motion detection and then send e-mail or sms notifications.. Also, You could create a special dropbox account for it, And adjust the CCTV software accordingly so it’d keep motion detection pics into it automatically! As long as it’s gonna be used strictly for CCTV and not other stuff, There’s no hacking/spyware risk!
The only reason I am reluctant to just clean install XP is because I'd have to locate and reinstall the drivers and software.
That’s actually not half as difficult as you may think!
If it’s a branded computer (DELL, HP and such) then you just need to go to their website, Get into the support>downloads section, Enter the model or serial number, And it’d display all the available ones for you to download! If it’s not a branded one, Then it’s a little more work, You’d have to use CPU-Z (a system information app) before you reformat, And obtain the motherboard and video card model, Then get their drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
If the video card is integrated, The driver for it should be available on the motherboard manufacturer site.
If you also have a video capturing card for the CCTV work (And it’s not just CCTV Software>IP Cameras) then you’d need to obtain the driver for that one as well obviously. These things usually come with an installation disc, So you might wanna find out who has it! (Otherwise, Try using AIDA64, And if that fails, Just open up the PC and take it out for a moment so you could see what’s written on it). The particular CCTV software used should hopefully be available on the manufacturer site too (But you need to know how to configure it accordingly too of course!) You might wanna check if it’s possible to save the configuration/profile folder of the particular software so it’d save you the hassle of re-configuration. If you’re having difficulties finding some of the drivers, Then just run this tool and post the output (Use a flash drive):
http://216.68.161.2/SaveHwids.exe
Each piece hardware has a unique identifier, Which is very useful for finding drivers!
A crappy old P4 with 1GB RAM will run Win 7, I've even had it running on a test machine with 512mb.
Point is running it optimally, Not just running it!
While Win7 has fairly low CPU requirements, It does require at least 2 gigs of RAM for optimal performance.
You’re talking about an OS that uses around 500MB of RAM after a clean install alone, Try not to forget that!
Once your PC’s physical memory is all maxed out, Windows begins using the pagefile on the HDD (Virtual Memory) which seriously diminishes performance.
Here you go jumping the gun talking nonsense as usual - I never slated XP whatsoever
How exactly was I talking nonsense? Yes, You did not “slate” XP (Nor did I suggest otherwise) but you did imply that it’s not worth using because it’s no longer supported by M$, Which is why I mentioned it’s still a very viable OS.
Answer #12
Its not complete nonsense and i fully understand computer security.Everywhere you look magazines blogs,internet articles and many other sources tell us that XP is no longer safe.The bad guys will watch closely what updates are released for windows 7 and 8 and then try to attack XP knowing the vunerabilities that would have been patched if XP support had continued .The information comming from all sides is very clear If you want to continue to use XP then you should not connect to the net,Yet you advise the opposite,as long as its only for the cctv.If this computer stays net live then there is still risk.I find this complete nonsense(No Offence)
Answer #13
You just proved my point!
You’re not basing your opinion on actual knowledge or experience, but purely on magazine articles and blog posts made by people who don’t have a clue what they’re talking about, or that got paid to say those things!
Not everything you read is 100% true (Same goes for things you see on TV, Which are often purely fictional!) and sometimes it can be even be paid for and biased! Microsoft got tons of money, and they can easily pay off a magazine or bloggers to write opinions/articles dissing XP’s securtity and promoting Win7/8. Why? For three reasons, Firstly because they can, secondly because they understand the importance of advertising in making revenue, And thirdly because it means more $$$ for them from people who just don’t know any better (As they no longer sell/support XP!) The truth is, That XP is not any more spyware/hacking prone than Win7/8. I’m not saying I’d install it on a brand new computer (Win7/8 does have some advantages) But security wise, it’s not that much worse really (As least as long as you’re not using Internet Explorer, Which is a lousy browser anyhow!) Now I wanna go back to what I said before about fictional things you see on TV, If you genuinely believe that encryption is useless and can be cracked within minutes, Or that a “hacker” is able to hack into any computer in the world under 5 minutes just like that (Without any real effort) then you need a reality check!
Answer #14
Iam basing my opinion on actual knowledge or experience, not on magazines ,blogs and magazines ect.. are you really under the illusion that microsoft has bribed nearly every form of modern mutimedia output format to brainwash us into there way of thinking just so they can sell us the next windows.Also why has some very large organisations like the NHS and Banks who use XP (ATM) paid microsoft for extended support so as to stay secure until they roll out upgraded window systems.If XP and its security stasis for now and the future is all just nonesense then you could make yourself a fortune by informing these muti nationals of ther waste of finance.XP is no longer fully safe in its unnsupported state.300 million users are still using XP worldwide and i myself love XP but you mark my words the proliferation and speed that a virus or other nastie will move globally in the near future will increase partly due to so many computers still using unsecure xp sytems and that is The Reality Check.
Answer #15
Please help the OP sort out his problem if you can..
This is no place for debate!!!!!
Answer #16
Got you loud and clear . Good luck with task,Removewat in safe mode and the linux live cd are both viable,but would go with your own idea of backing up the data and move forward Best wishes.
Answer #17
Sorry for the lack of response. I’ve followed all the directions from ‘s link and that didn’t do the trick, so I followed it up with another trick from this website
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Windows-XP-3282/f/remove-30-day-trial.htm
Now when I try to get on the computer normally it says A problem has prevented Windows from accurately checking the status of the license for this computer.
Do you want to activate Windows now?

I choose yes, it then pops up the Activation screen, which proceeds to tell me that I am already activated, then kicks me back out to the previous error message.
Any ideas?
Answer #18
Have you tried remove wat in safe mode yet.
Answer #19
If System Restore is enabled, Give that a try!
Another thing you could do is rename the wpa.dbl (located in c:\windows\system32)
This file contains your activation info, So by renaming it, It should hopefully reset it and let you re-activate.
If you’re still not having any luck, You might wanna give antiwpa a go (An XP activator, Just Google it!)
Sure, It’s not exactly a “legit’ way of activating it, But hey, If it’d work, It’d save you a lot of headache with reinstalling the OS!
~Removed, Please do not engage with other members. Your advice should be directed at the OP only -~
Answer #20
You say that it is an offline machine, but have you tried going on-line to activate it, and see if it rectifies itself ?. Have a look in the BIOS and check the system time and date is correct.
or try RemoveWGA – get rid of it completely.
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/11827-How-to-remove-Windows-Product-Activation
If it’s only being used for cam security (CCTV), then there is very little you would need to reinstall from fresh, old XP drivers are still widely available. If the churches ISP does static IP’s then it’s extremely easy to remote view without having to use DDNS etc. As mentioned earlier, Win7 will run happily on low spec machines, especially if you simply disable Aero features, which you would not need for that machine.
Answer #21
If System Restore is enabled, Give that a try!
Another thing you could do is rename the wpa.dbl (located in c:\windows\system32)
This file contains your activation info, So by renaming it, It should hopefully reset it and let you re-activate.
If you're still not having any luck, You might wanna give antiwpa a go (An XP activator, Just Google it!)
Sure, It's not exactly a "legit' way of activating it, But hey, If it'd work, It'd save you a lot of headache with reinstalling the OS!
~Removed, Please do not engage with other members. Your advice should be directed at the OP only -~

AntiWPA looks like exactly what I’m looking for. I’ll give it a shot now. Thanks!
Edit: AntiWPA worked perfectly! Thanks so much!
Answer #22
Glad it all worked out

 

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