Windows XP activation can be backed up to a floppy for later retrieval in case of a reinstall. How is this done?
Navigate to the %systemroot%\system32 folder. Copy the wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files to the floppy. Reinstall XP. After the install is complete and the XP Out Of Box Experience (OOBE) window appears—where you’d normally activate the product—decline to activate and let the installation complete.
Restart and use [F8] to bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select Minimal Safe Mode here. Navigate to the %systemroot%\system32 folder. Rename the existing wpa.dbl and wpa.bak files. Using the floppy diskette, copy the previously backed-up wpa.dbl and wpa.bak to the %systemroot%\system32 folder. Reboot; XP should be activated.
