"Activate Windows" dialog box is blank.

[Close_Hauled]

I was doing some troubleshooting on my motherboard when all of a sudden Windows wanted me to activate it. All I did was disable my network, printer, and com port. But the damn "Activate Windows" dialog box is blank! No buttons, not text. Just picture of two keys on a blue background. Does anyone know how to fix this thing? I have been on the phone with Microsoft 3 nights in a row and they are clueless.

[ronjor]

Is this any help? http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q314935

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
Do you have HTA disabled on your computer?
Many control panel menus are actually hta files and will show blank if you use a program like htastop.
Mrk

[Close_Hauled]

-{ Quote: "Is this any help? http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q314935" }-
Ron,

Thanks. I tried that twice with Microsoft. Microsoft finally gave up and told me to re-install Windows. I asked them why I could not just re-install Activate Windows and they had no answer.

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "they had no answer." }-
That was helpful. >:( Reinstalling may be the best way to go at this time. Unless, someone has a better idea.

[GlobalForce]

Hi Close,

You didn't mention the system so I'm not sure if this applies .... Check the note below number thirteen for by-passing DCOM activation (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883783). It supposedly overrides the security check that's in place for the Microsoft Search Gathering Manager COM object. I can only guess that tinkering with the item's you reported is what set's this in motion.

PS - Not "better" Ron, just an adjustment of the sail's. :D


GF

[Close_Hauled]

-{ Quote: "Hi Close,

You didn't mention the system so I'm not sure if this applies .... Check the note below number thirteen for by-passing DCOM activation (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=883783). It supposedly overrides the security check that's in place for the Microsoft Search Gathering Manager COM object. I can only guess that tinkering with the item's you reported is what set's this in motion.

PS - Not "better" Ron, just an adjustment of the sail's. :D


GF" }-
When I got home last night, the system was disabled by Microsoft. My 3 days had expired. I could only boot it in safe mode. I re-installed XP and had to endure the download and install of 49 critical updates. I did not look on Wilders before I started, so I never had a chance to try your idea.

I hate that Microsoft could not figure out how to fix the problem. I am certain that they know how internally, but that it is a security risk to them to tell us how to fix it.

I believe that I may have broken "Activate Windows" a long time ago when I deleted the contents of the OOBE (Out of Box Experience) directory out of ignorance. I could be wrong. If someone has a lab computer that they can afford to break, maybe they can test my theory.

I honestly believe that what Microsoft did to my operating system should be illegal. I have a legitimate license that I have had for years. There is no reason for them to arbitrarily shut my system down because of a bug in their program.

They claim that my disabling ports should not have caused Windows think that it was now in a new system. That is precisely what happened and they need to re-write their code. No matter what ports are disabled/enabled, it is still the same motherboard.