My hdd broke and I had to install xp home on a new hdd

[jm8881]

And it tells me that my key has reached it's activation limit. I've only used it once on this computer. I thought that it uses your system config to identify you as you and not someone with a product key generator. The hdd that I was using died and I had to buy another hdd. Do I have to call them, and if I do, how do I explain my case?

 

[M11]

Call them and tell it to them in a straightforward way just as you explained it here. They are usually quick about giving you another activation, especially since your old one will no longer be checking in for windowsupdate. Oddly enough, you shouldn't have had to re-activate. You may want to consult the official Microsoft Activation FAQ or Licenturion's Technical Analysis for more information.