With XP if changes were made to the hardware XP will think it is a copy on a different machine.
I would try finding a number for Windows. They might have a hot line for pirate software. Tell them all the details what you have where you got it. Maybe it's just a glitch in the software. Maybe they will take care of you.
I would also try go back to where I got the computer.
If you have a manufacture try calling them.
If you have to you could try Ebay. But you want the full store version. Not an upgrade. Many factory PC's version of windows will only work on that PC.
This is why I don't want a box store PC. You best when you buy each part seperate. Then you know what you have.
Tom
