How to boot when xp activation required

I am in a pinch. I loaded my own XP on a used computer I was trying to set up for my daughter. I didn't activate, since I learned that the XP cd I'd bought could not be used on more than ONE computer. Now that the time is up for activation, the computer will not go past the startup screen unless I activate, which I cannot do since I've already used it on another computer of mine. Is it possible to reformat and start over? I know how to get into the bios. Is there a way to start up the computer and then install another xp disk, if I buy another one? Please help. My daughter needs this computer or she will have to buy a new one. I cannot believe that I bought a new XP cd and can only use it on one computer. That is a ripoff.

 

If you purchase another copy of XP, you shouldn't in theory need to reinstall. Just register online or call Microsoft with the new number.

Off the record, you can try activating the existing installation, It might work.

 

I have a legal version of windows xp pro on three different computers all registered and legal. Actually I only purchased oen of them at full price, I am sure you can find them for sale if you look enough, like yard sales, garage sales, classified adds, and others. Or the other thing you can do is take the cheap way out and install Ubuntu Linux or other version of Linux they are all free but if you want to pay for them they will happily take your money.