windows xp games

For an old Windows XP-era game that is stuck in an activation or reactivation loop, the issue is often that the game is not running with administrative credentials, so activation cannot be stored correctly.

Try the following, depending on the OS currently installed on the PC:

1. If the PC is running Windows Vista or later
   1. Right-click the game’s shortcut/icon.
   2. Select Properties.
   3. Go to the Shortcut tab and click Advanced.
   4. Check Run as administrator, then click OK, and OK again.
   5. Start the game using that shortcut and complete the activation screen again.
2. If the PC is actually running Windows XP
   1. Right-click the game’s shortcut/icon.
   2. Select Properties.
   3. Go to the Shortcut tab and click Advanced.
   4. Check Run with different credentials, then click OK twice.
   5. Double‑click the game icon.
   6. In the Run as dialog, select The following user and enter an account that has administrator rights on that PC.
   7. Click OK, then go through the activation screen again.

If this is specifically Flight Simulator X and the activation loop continues even when running as administrator, run the Software Licensing System Reset tool described in the Flight Simulator X article (928080).

References:

• When you try to start Games for Windows, MapPoint, or Streets & Trips products, you are repeatedly prompted (in a loop) to reactivate the product