unable to start Windows due to activation error

[wallingd]

I have 2 HDDs, with 2 separate XP installs. I switch between each in the BIOS by changing the boot drive in case of an emergency - which last night was.

Started machine up and got:

"A problem is preventing windows from accurately checking the license
for this computer. Error Code: 0x80090006"

Apparently this isn't uncommon and solutions include:

* Safe Mode, start > run > regsvr32 regwizc.dll and regsvr32 licdll.dll - both operations should return as successful, then chkdsk /r which was not doable because it claims the drive is in use (whch obviously it is), so this didn't work.
* Deletion of hkey_user\.default\microsoft\software\cryptography + hkey_user\S-5-1-20\microsoft\software\cryptography keys - both of which did not exist (the crypt part obviously).
* Wpa.dll - when examined in NotePad this was visibly different between my 40GB (the image which has the problem) + 60GB (bootable backup image I was able to do the research on) versions - the corrupt version containing mostly the generic square-shaped character and the non-corrupt showing a much more 'garbagey' file (similar to if one was to examine a .exe in NotePad). Deletion of the corrupt wpa.dll just saw a fresh, corrupt version put back in its place.

Hope someone can assist further....

Thanks.

 

[SilverSaloon]

cant you just run the XP setup cd with the broken HD in use and install over the top?; if it detects XP already there then it will fix files etc that are wrong/damaged, or give you the choice to just overwrite it with a fresh setup, but keeping your documents/programs.....

shouldnt loose any of your documents etc but i'd back them up anyway using the other HD 1st then if it all goes tits up all u have lost is your XP setup, which u can just format the HD and start again.

hope this helps.

 

[saorbust]

Not only that - but lets assume you get your copy of XP working again. I assume both copies can see each other - one is just a primary boot ? If its been corrupted, do you want to risk the possibility of corrupting the other one ?

I'd copy your data to the other disk using the copy of XP that boots, and then re-install the other one.

J.

 

[wallingd]

I want to avoid reinstallation if at all possible hence the prior efforts. Both can see each other and both are completely separate. Have made up-to-date backup. Just wondered if there was a clever way to do it.