Windows won't let me activate.

I have a legitimate copy of Windows XP Professional. It was originally my brother's copy until he upgraded himself to an iMac (which was a smart move, imo). But the problem is I've struggled with this hard drive (80gb) and my 30gb hard drive for so long and have re-installed Windows a million times that now it won't activate. I've re-installed Windows at least 3-4 times between last Friday and today. And several times months and years ago as well. No one else has the registration code but me. I never got it online or shared it with anyone. My brother never shared it either. And it is a real disc.

What I'm wondering is, is this it for the code? I realize that people do share codes, but this one isn't being shared. It's being used by one person - me. I'm worried because it said I've got 30 days and then I can re-enter another code. Does that mean I have to buy another disc just for another code? Or am I suppose to wait the 30 days and just re-enter my existing code? I'm an not buying (well I didn't buy it my brother did) another copy of Sh*tdows for another code. That's lunacy!

 

Every product key has a limit to the number of automatic activations (ie. over the internet) you can do, but that doesn't mean you can't activate over the phone. It's just a pain to do it that way. Call them up, give them your code, tell them your story, and Microsoft will activate Windows for you. (This is all done inside the 'Activate Windows' wizard)

 

Thanks I'll do that.