Win XP activation Code doesn't work

[Dodge7]

I bought a copy of Win XP six months ago, and finally got around to trying to install it on my old computer. It keeps saying the activation coode is invalid. I bought this in another town so I probably need to contact Microsoft?

Anyone have this problem or have a good contact number for MS? Or any idea what I should do? I need XP for a work project THIS WEEK - the program only runs on XP

[Dodge7]

p.s. and yes... I tried entering the activation code many times, watching I had the right letters and numbers and such.

[Statica]

The number you have to contact depends on your location (your current location and not based on where you purchased it). If you cannot boot to Windows, your best bet is to remove any connection to the internet that you may have. At the activation screen select the option for telephone activation.
If you can boot into Windows, go to START > RUN > and type: oobe/msoobe /a, follow the same directions for using telefone activation.

[thefultonhow]

Is this the product key that it prompts you to enter during setup? If it's not working, you can call Microsoft's activation hotline and say so. They may see fit to give you a new product key.