Error message when you try to activate Windows XP: "local scripting has been disabled on this computer" (916252)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

When you try to activate Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Product Activation may be unsuccessful, and you may receive the following error message:
Activate Windows cannot run because local scripting has been disabled on this computer. Scripting may have been disabled for virus prevention or as a security measure. Once local scripting has been enabled, run Activate Windows again.

CAUSE

This problem may occur when scripting is disabled in the registry.

RESOLUTION

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To resolve this problem, follow these steps to enable scripting:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
  2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:

    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\0

  3. In the right pane, double-click 1400, type 0 in the Value data box, and then click OK.
  4. In the same registry subkey, look for a Security_HKLM_only entry. If this entry is present and has a value of 1, follow these steps:
    1. In the right pane, double-click Security_HKLM_only, type 0 in the Value data box, and then click OK.
  5. Exit Registry Editor.
When you finish these steps, try to activate Windows again.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, create a new user account while the computer is in Safe Mode. To restart the computer in Safe Mode, follow these steps.

Note Print these instructions before you continue.
  1. Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
  2. In the Shut Down Windows dialog box, select Restart in the What do you want the computer to do list, and then click OK.
  3. After the computer restarts but before Windows XP starts, press F8.

    Note On a computer that has more than one operating system installed, press F8 when the restart menu appears.
  4. Use the arrow keys to select a Safe Mode option, and then press ENTER.

    Note On a computer that has more than one operating system installed, use the arrow keys to select a Safe Mode option for Windows XP, and the press ENTER.
To create a new user account, use one of the following methods. Then, restart the computer is normal mode, log on by using the new account, and try to activate Windows again.

Your computer is not joined to a domain

  1. Click Start, click Run, type nusrmgr.cpl in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. Click Create a new account.
  3. Type the name that you want to use for the account, and then click Next.
  4. Select the desired account type, and then click Create Account.
  6. Exit User Accounts.

Your computer is joined to a domain

  1. Click Start, click Run, type nusrmgr.cpl in the Open box, and then click OK.
  2. On the Users tab, click Add.
  3. Type the name that you want to use for the account in the User name box, type the name of the domain in the Domain box, and then click Next.
  4. Click to select the account type, and then click Finish.
  5. Exit User Accounts.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/27/2006
Keywords:kberrmsg kbactivation kbtshoot kbprb KB916252 kbAudITPRO kbAudEndUser
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