What Options are there to activate Windows XP nowadays?
The «regular» methods provided with XP (phone and online) don’t work anymore. The phone number is not valid for activation anymore (I tried the German one) and the online activation does not work either (in a quick test within a DMZ other protocols like ICMP or HTTP worked fine when I accessed an internet server).
The latest question/answer I could find here on superuser is this one: XP Activation and Dual Booting which doesn’t provide an answer to my question. In addition the question asks only if it can be done in general not how (neither does the existing answer say how), and about other problems (dual boot), so I decided to post the question again as specific question just about the activation process.
The solutions can be a workaround (disabling the activation check), but for security reasons, it shouldn’t contain a binary download. Preferably it also shouldn’t require a network/internet connection. Although there is no way around using WinXP, I want to minimize security risks.
EDIT1: Since quite a few people asked, please note why (in my opinion) this question is not a duplicate of XP Activation and Dual Booting, please see my explanation above. I made a thorough explanation in meta here.
EDIT2: it was suggested to call MS support and/or sales unfortunately they do not help with WinXP anymore.
EDIT3: please be aware that running an outdated OS without security updates poses security risks explained here as BurceWayne points out correctly. Therefore, if possible you should change/upgrade the OS of your device. However in some cases it’s not an option to change to a different OS, e.g. because certain drivers/HW/SW is only compatible with Win XP.
EDIT4: note, the activation process comes after entering a installation/serial key (e.g. from the licence sticker)
Download Article
A quick and easy guide to activate your Windows XP product key
Download Article
In order to get the most out of Windows XP, you’ll need to activate it using your Windows XP product key. If you have an internet connection or dial-up modem, you can get activated with just a few clicks. You can also call Microsoft and get an activation code if you don’t have access to the internet. If you positively cannot get Windows XP activated, you can bypass the activation message.
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1
Ensure that you have a network connection. The easiest way to activate Windows is by connecting to Microsoft directly through the internet. Microsoft will verify that your product key is legitimate, and send the activation code back to your computer.
- If you don’t have access to the internet, click here to activate by phone.
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2
Start the Activation wizard. You can start this by clicking the Activation icon in your System Tray. You can also click Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows.
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3
Enter your product key if you haven’t already. You may be prompted to enter your 25-character product key before you can proceed.
- If you don’t have a product key, click here.
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4
Select «Yes, let’s activate Windows over the Internet now». Windows will try first to connect via your network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) connection. If no network adapter is detected it will look for a dial-up modem.
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5
Read the privacy statement and decide if you want to register. Registration is optional, and now that Windows XP is no longer supported, there’s no real point to it. To skip registration, select «No, I don’t want to register now; let’s just activate Windows».
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6
Wait for Windows to activate. As long as you have an internet connection the wizard will automatically connect and activate your copy of Windows.
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7
Contact Microsoft if necessary. If you have used your Windows XP product key on a different computer or installed new hardware, you may be prompted to contact Microsoft by phone. This is a step required by Microsoft to prevent piracy. As long as you are not violating your license, you should have no problem getting the support rep to activate your account.[1]
- You will be asked by the support rep to provide the «installation ID», which can be found on the activation wizard screen.
- After providing the installation ID, Microsoft will verify and will provide you with the code you need to enter to activate Windows.
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1
Start the Activation wizard. If you don’t have broadband internet or a dial-up modem, you can activate your copy of Windows XP over the phone. You can start the wizard by clicking the Activation icon in the System Tray, or by clicking Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Activate Windows.
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2
Enter your product key if you haven’t already. You may be prompted to enter your 25-character product key before you can proceed with the activation process.
- If you don’t have a product key, click here.
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3
Choose the phone option. Select «Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to activate Windows now.»
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4
Select your region. Microsoft provides local numbers for most areas, or toll-free numbers that you can call from anywhere. Use the drop-down menus to select the number that is best for you.
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Select the language of your choice. English is usually the second language offered, which is number 2 on the dial pad.
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Select the product you want to activate. In our case, we want to activate a Windows XP, so push number 1 on the dial pad.
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Call Microsoft and provide the 54 digit «installation ID». Use the provided number to contact Microsoft. You will be asked by the rep to provide the 54 digit «installation ID». This is displayed on the same screen as the phone numbers.
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Enter the 35 digit code the rep gives you. After verifying your installation ID, the support rep will give you an activation code. Enter this code into the boxes at the bottom of the window to finish activating.
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1
Know when to do this. Sometimes when you’re re-installing Windows with non-standard hardware, you may not be able to access Windows in order to activate. You’ll get a message that you must activate in order to proceed, but you can’t connect to the internet and the «installation ID» is not generated. If this happens to you, you’ll need to use Safe Mode to fix your drivers and activate Windows.
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2
Boot into Safe Mode. You’ll need to fix the problems with your device drivers. This will allow you to either get an internet connection or generate an installation ID so that you can activate over the phone.
- Reboot your computer and rapidly strike F8 as it boots up. This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select «Safe Mode» from the list of options.
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3
Download the necessary drivers on another computer. You’ll likely need to download the drivers on another computer. Windows XP Safe Mode disables program installation, so you’ll need the actual driver files, not an installer.
- Determine the piece of hardware that isn’t working. Press ⊞ Win+R and type devmgmt.msc. This will load the Device Manager. Look for items that have a «!» or «?» icon. These are the pieces of hardware that require drivers.
- Visit the manufacturer’s support site on another computer. If you are using a laptop or pre-built desktop, you should be able to find all of the drivers you need in one spot. If you’re using a custom-built computer, you’ll need to find the manufacturer of the specific piece of hardware that’s not working.
- Download the INF files for the piece of hardware. Since you can’t use an installer, you’ll need the actual driver files. These come in INF format. Transfer these files from the working computer to the non-working one via USB or disk.
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4
Install the driver. Right-click on the non-working piece of hardware in the Device Manager and select «Update Driver». Browse your computer for the INF file that you downloaded and load it up. You’ll be prompted to reboot your computer.
- For more detailed instructions on tracking down and installing drivers, click here.
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5
Try activating as you normally would. You should now be able to either boot into Windows and activate over the internet, or get an installation ID and activate over the phone. See the above two methods for instructions on activating online or over the phone.[2]
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1
Consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows. Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, and it is highly recommended that you switch to a more recent version of Windows. This will ensure that you have access to the latest security patches. Windows XP won’t be getting any more updates.
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2
Consider purchasing a valid key. If you don’t want to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, you may still want to consider purchasing a valid key. There are many key resellers available online. If you have purchased Windows XP in the past but can’t find your key, Microsoft may be able to retrieve it for you if you contact customer support.
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3
Contact Microsoft if you have a real key that won’t work. If you have a Windows XP key that won’t work, contact Microsoft before bypassing the activation. There’s a good chance that the support rep will be able to get your key working and your computer activated.
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4
Press .⊞ Win+R and type regedit. This will open the Registry Editor, which will allow you to bypass Windows XP activation. This is only recommended as a last resort option. You won’t be able to use Windows Update if your copy of Windows isn’t activated.
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5
Navigate to the correct folder. Use the tree on the left side of the Registry Editor to open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE → SOFTWARE → Microsoft → Windows NT → CurrentVersion (or «Current Version») → WPAEvents.
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Double-click the «OOBETimer» entry. This will open a new window.
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Change the «Value data». Delete whatever is currently in the box and enter
FF D5 71 D6 8B 6A 8D 6F D5 33 93 FD. Click OK to save your changes. -
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Right-click on the WPAEvents folder and select «Permissions». Select the «SYSTEM» group from the list in the top frame.
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Check the «Deny» box for the «Full Control» entry. Click OK to save your changes.
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About This Article
Article SummaryX
1. Connect to the internet.
2. Start the Activation Wizard.
3. Enter your product key.
4. Select Yes, let’s activate Windows over the internet now.
5. Decide whether to register.
6. Click Next.
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r/windowsxp
Posted byu/[deleted]2 years ago
So I tried to activate windows xp via phone and it worked successfully. I even made a video. Here it is
level 1
Wow, is it still possible even in 2021! Noice
level 1
It’s great to know that it still works.
level 2
Are you TheComputerGuy96? And Yes, I’m that guy that was asking you on YouTube about activating xp through the phone and that I activated Windows 7 through the phone on my HP-G62-120ep.
level 2
And also I was looking at your account and posts to check if it was you.
level 1
lol I did that just yesterday it was kinda fun lol
level 2
I did it 4 times this week. One time to activate windows 7 home premium because the product key that came with my hp g62 was giving a security error. Also did it with windows Vista home basic on the acer aspire 5050 because the computer key was also giving that security error. Yesterday I did it with a VirtualBox vm (windows xp home edition) and worked. Today I did it and made a video doing it on an Asus eee PC netbook. Actually I find it kind of fun although I got a little tired.
level 1
The way we used to activate Windows XP is almost like how you have to get a Bitlocker unlock key today, pretty fun when you’re service desk reading the response over the phone to the end user
level 1
Comment removed by moderator · 2 yr. ago
level 2
Just like a customer support
level 1
Yep yep. Still works just fine.
level 1
I just activated over the phone, too, on a new hard drive and new windows XP Pro disc I had.
level 1
I still use phone activation but i am getting near the point where i am going to make a image deployment server so i dont run out of uses.
level 1
I’m here to tell you that it still works, even in 2022! In a post pandemic time. It’s half past midnight here in Sweden, and the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted 2 days ago and I’m sitting here in the comfort of my office chair (at home) and activating Windows XP like a pro, with a «smart» phone in my left hand and a PS/2 keyboard from the 90s in my lap, plunking installation ID numbers on my «smart» and «touch tone» capable phone with my left hand hand and typing in the verification numbers on the numpad with my right hand. Thankfully I don’t have to read the installation ID numbers out loud.
level 1
Is it free to do or do you need to pay something? I want to activate my windows xp vm but i cant find any product keys that work
About Community
on
February 14, 2002, 12:00 AM PST
The Windows XP Product Activation guide
Whether you want to or not, Microsoft requires you to activate Windows XP. While it’s an easy process to complete, you might be wondering what the steps are. Jim Wells walks you through the options.
Windows XP Product Activation (WPA) is Microsoft’s much-talked-about foray into end-user piracy protection for its latest operating system. Love it or hate it, WPA appears to be here to stay. Without getting into the political and social ramifications of the privacy debate that surrounds WPA, I’ll cut to the chase by examining the process of how to activate a Windows XP installed client.
Does everybody have to activate?
If you’re wondering whether this applies to everyone, the short answer is, not exactly. If your organization licenses Windows XP through one of Microsoft’s volume licensing agreement programs, such as Open License and Select License, you won’t have to activate Windows XP. Organizations that use these programs are required to use a Volume License Product Key (VLK), a product key tied to a specific license agreement. Different VLKs apply to different Microsoft products. The Windows XP VLK will bypass WPA for individual machines. So, if you have to deploy multiple machines, you can use Windows XP deployment tools to automate VLK entry into your multiple XP clients. How this is accomplished depends on how you deploy software in your organization. The point is that your end users won’t be asked to activate their individual copy of Windows XP under one of these volume license agreements.
For those that do have to activate
If you’re supporting an organization that doesn’t fall under the previously described licensing agreement categories, fear not; WPA is not exactly brain surgery. First off, your users should understand that activating Windows XP is different from registering it. While registering the product is optional, WPA is not. After 30 days from the first boot, they won’t be allowed to use Windows XP until they activate it.
During that first 30 days, your users will be reminded repeatedly about activating XP, as well as the number of days left before activation must be completed. As the number of days to activation dwindles, the frequency of the reminders increases. So, to avoid the annoying reminders, it’s best to activate as soon as the operating system is first loaded, unless, of course, you anticipate that Microsoft will cease the WPA program during your 30-day activation period (not likely).
During installation of Windows XP, you’ll be asked to enter the product key associated with your user’s copy of Windows XP. After you enter the product key and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA), you’ll be prompted to activate Windows XP (Figure A).
| Figure A |
 |
| If now is not a good time to activate, click the No, Remind Me Every Few Days radio button. |
The Yes, Activate Windows Over The Internet Now option available on the Ready To Activate Windows wizard will check your Internet connection and send your information. If the connection is good, the product key you entered during installation will be transformed into a 50-digit Installation ID number. This Installation ID number gets transmitted to Microsoft and is an encrypted form of your product number; it also includes a checksum for security purposes. For activation, no personal information is transmitted to Microsoft. Once the Installation ID is created, the checksum cannot be calculated back to its original values. After Microsoft receives the Installation ID number, a Confirmation ID is sent back, which will unlock Windows XP for normal use.
This brings us to the issue of what happens if you upgrade a machine. According to Microsoft, if you “overhaul your computer by replacing a substantial number of hardware components, it may appear to be a different PC and you will have to reactivate.” What Microsoft considers “substantial” is not specifically spelled out at this time, but I’m sure that if you replace a motherboard, processor, or hard drive, Microsoft will require you to reactivate.
Activating after installation
If you support users that decide to activate after the initial installation, the process is similar to the steps described above. In the right-hand corner of the taskbar is a WPA icon that informs the user how many days are left until activation must be completed (Figure B). The user can click on the icon or select Start | All Programs | Activate Windows to bring up the Let’s Activate Windows wizard (Figure C).
| Figure B |
 |
| When the user clicks the icon, the Let’s Activate Windows wizard appears. |
| Figure C |
 |
Here, the user is given three choices: activate over the Internet, activate over the phone, or activate later. While the activating later option is clear and activating over the Internet is no different than the process described above, activating over the phone brings up a second input screen (Figure D) and requires about five minutes to complete.
| Figure D |
 |
| The user must go through a four-step process to complete phone activation. |
The first step to activate Windows XP by phone is choosing the location of the PC and dialing the toll-free number that results from this selection. Phone activation is an automated process, so the user will need to use a touch-tone phone. Basically, the user must manually enter on the phone pad the 50-digit Installation ID from step three, and then he or she will be given a 50-digit Confirmation ID to enter into the computer. Mistakes might be common, but the fudge factor is minimized with several chances to correct any errors. That’s it. The PC can now use Windows XP, free from annoying reminders. Connecting over the Internet is the easiest option because it’s done with little user intervention, but the phone option is available for users who aren’t connected.
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Microsoft
На данной странице Вы можете произвести процедуру активации по телефону продуктов Microsoft в онлйан-режиме без звонка в техническую поддержку Microsoft. Наш сервис «GetCid» позволяет в автоматическом режиме, без звонка, получить ответный код подтверждения в текстовом режиме с помощью онайн-формы ниже.
Для чего нужна активация по телефону?
— Она нужна для того, чтобы активировать продукт, если онлайн активация по какой-либо причине не проходит, например приложение выдает различные ошибки при активации по интернету и т.п. А так же, если нет возможности активировать онлайн, например компьютер не подключен к интенету.
Инструкция по использованию
Данный бот текстовой активации по телефону работает для всех продуктов Microsoft, во всех приложениях принцип активации по телефону одинаковый.
1) Внимание! Для активации по телефону — предварительно в приложение нужно ввести рабочий лицензионный ключ активации для соответствующей версии приложения. Если у Вас нет ключа продукта, приобрести его можете в нашем каталоге с моментальной доставкой в автоматическом режиме на Вашу электронную почту по самым низким ценам среди магазинов:
— Windows 11
— Windows 10
— Windows 8.1
— Windows 7
— Windows Server
— Microsoft Office
— Microsoft Visio и Project
2) На следующих страницах можете посмотреть как открыть окно активации по телефону в различных приложениях:
— Microsoft Office (2021, / 2019, / 2016, / 2013, / 2010)
— Microsoft Visio / Project
— Windows 10 / Windows 11
— Widnows 8.1
— Windows 7
— Windows Server
3)
— Для текстовой активации по телефону нужно ввести из Вашего окна активации по телефону — код установки в первое поле (набор цифир, который показан блоками) и нажать «Старт».
— Далее у Вас выйдет ответный код подтверждения, его нужно ввести в поля от A до H в Вашем окне активации по телефону и активировать приложение. На этом активация закончена, можете перезапустить приложение или перезагрузить систему и проверить активацию.
Введите Ваш код установки
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Ответный код подтверждения
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Microsoft требует активации Windows XP, чтобы помешать пиратству. Каждая копия активируется индивидуально, как правило, через Интернет или телефон, чтобы гарантировать, что она установлена / используется только на одном компьютере одновременно. Это может быть немного утомительно, если ваше единственное намерение — переустановить свежую копию Windows XP на компьютер, на котором она была установлена все время. К счастью, есть способ повторно активировать вашу копию, не подключаясь к Microsoft и не ожидая по телефону.
Для копирования файлов активации необходим USB-накопитель или чистый компакт-диск.
Шаг 1
Нажмите на мой компьютер и перейдите в папку C: WindowsSystem32.
Шаг 2
Найдите файлы «wpa.dbl» и «wpa.bak». Скопируйте их на USB-накопитель.Вы также можете записать их на чистый компакт-диск.
Шаг 3
Отформатируйте компьютер и переустановите свежую копию Windows XP. Не активируйте Windows XP после завершения установки.
Шаг 4
Перезагрузите компьютер и загрузитесь в безопасном режиме, удерживая клавишу F8 во время запуска.
Шаг 5
Вернитесь в папку C: WindowsSystem32. Переименуйте файлы «wpa.dbl» и «wpa.bak» в «wpanew.dbl» и «wpanew.bak».
Шаг 6
Подключите USB-накопитель или вставьте компакт-диск и скопируйте старые файлы «wpa.dbl» и «wpa.bak» в папку C: WindowsSystem32.
Шаг 7
Перезагрузите компьютер, чтобы выйти из безопасного режима.
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#1
I reinstalled windows xp home edition RTM on it (service pack 2 and 3 seem to not accept the key under it).
It obviously didn’t activate because the servers are down but when I try to activate over phone and select my country (Romania) there isn’t any toll-free number, just a toll number. How much is the toll?
I found this https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers online and there seems to be a toll free number. Will it work?
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- Apr 30, 2019
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Then activate it.
Then, install SP3.
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collecting old stuff and trying to get it to work
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Since a toll free number costs nothing to try….what happened when you tried?
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Also when installing windows xp i had to use the rtm version because service pack 2 and 3 disks that i had just gave me an error saying the product key is invalid. Any idea? (used the product key thats on the back of my laptop). It would make the reinstall of updates much easier (i have to reinstall because audio isnt working properly even with drivers)
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I am not sure calling Microsoft is going to net you any results with something this far out of support.
Yes, there is zero support for Windows XP as MS dropped it a long long long time ago. So you have zero support. Also your hardware is new XP is almost 20 years old so that can be a factor.
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The key listed on the back of the laptop is for the OEM version (Home, Pro) that shipped with the laptop and will not work with a retail version as you have.
well i made an iso of that cd, slipstreamed sp3 on it and it doesn’t accept my key so its a service pack thing
Yes, there is zero support for Windows XP as MS dropped it a long long long time ago. So you have zero support. Also your hardware is new XP is almost 20 years old so that can be a factor.
then why would the phone numbers still be available ?
Any ways I installed windows xp pro sp2 -> right now upgrading to sp3 and using my licence for pro edition it seems to work.
Now I need an audio driver for my Intel(r) 82801CA/CAM AC’97 Audio Controller (as shown in the device manager). The first link that showed up is this https://www.driverscape.com/download/intel(r)-82801ca-cam-ac-97-audio-controller
has anyone used this website before?
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well i made an iso of that cd, slipstreamed sp3 on it and it doesn’t accept my key so its a service pack thingthen why would the phone numbers still be available ?
Any ways I installed windows xp pro sp2 -> right now upgrading to sp3 and using my licence for pro edition it seems to work.
Now I need an audio driver for my Intel(r) 82801CA/CAM AC’97 Audio Controller (as shown in the device manager). The first link that showed up is this https://www.driverscape.com/download/intel(r)-82801ca-cam-ac-97-audio-controller
has anyone used this website before?
Those numbers you linked are for volume licensing, and don’t say anything on the web site that it’s for XP.
The sound drivers you would get from the laptop vendor support site, or get it directly from Intel if it’s available on their site.
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The sound drivers you would get from the laptop vendor support site, or get it directly from Intel if it’s available on their site.
i got them from the asus’s website but my sound is still barely hearable even with my external speaker at maximum «power»
in the installation note or whatever its called it said to delete some files from the windows folder. the problem is i read it after installing the driver..
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- Apr 30, 2019
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#12
Then activate it.
Then, install SP3.
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