this method works better than many others i've tried before. forget the cracks and injectors etc... this is the BEST WAY:

1) start > run > "regedit" (without the quotes of course)

2) go to the key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents\OOBETimer

...and doubleclick on it. Then change some of the value data to ANYTHING ELSE...delete some, add some letters, I don't care...just change it!

now close out regedit.

3) go to start > run > "%systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a" (again, dont type the quotes)

4) the activation screen will come up, click on register over telephone, then click on CHANGE PRODUCT KEY, enter in this key: JG28K-H9Q7X-BH6W4-3PDCQ-6XBFJ.

Now you can dl all the updates without activating, and the Genuine Microsoft Validation thing won't bug you no more!!

Works with most WinXP versions though ther r some exceptions...

try dis and reply me here....goodluck to all!!!