Windows keeps logging me off

[slithering]

I used Bootcamp to partition the hard drive on my MacBook Pro and installed a friend's copy of Windows XP Professional SP 2. I didn't have a working product key to enter to validate this copy of Windows, so at the end of the 30 day period I bought Windows XP Professional OEM. When asked to authenticate Windows, I used the automated telephone system to obtain an activation key. Now when I try to enter Windows, the computer still asks me to authenticate XP. If I click NO, it logs me off. If I click YES, it says that the computer recognizes that I have authenticated XP, but then proceeds to log me off anyway.

I seem to be stuck in a loop here. Does anyone know how to bypass this? How can I log on?

SGB

 

[jeremy.king]

Was your friends disc an OEM copy as well? If not, your only fix is probably a reinstall - you should be able to install on top and not affect anything, but I forget the exact options to choose.

 

[slithering]

Thanks so much for your response. No, my friend did not have OEM so it looks like I'll try reinstalling tonight. I'd love to know how to do it so that I can save my existing files as I've already invested about 15 hours in Titan Quest!

Any ideas?

Thanks again!

SGB

 

[jeremy.king]

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315341