can anyone explain this to me. Hello Darrell

Thank you for using our online email support. Regarding your issue with
Windows requiring you an activation code, I would like to inform you
that the version of Windows XP Home Edition provided by eMachines does
not require Windows Product Activation (WPA) or a Product Identification
(PID) number, because eMachines has implemented System Locked
Pre-installation (SLP) on the Windows XP CDs.

SLP automatically activates by checking the BIOS for specific
information, thus giving the appearance that activation is not required.
Each time a user logs on to a computer, the computer goes through SLP
and verifies that the computer has the proper BIOS information. If this
check succeeds, the process is completely transparent to the user.

Windows Product Activation (WPA) has been designed to reduce casual
copying of the operating system. Casual copying is the sharing of a
single license for a product across multiple, unlicensed installations.
For example, a customer purchases a copy of Windows® XP and installs it
on a computer. The media is then loaned to a neighbor, who installs it
on another computer. This second installation is not legitimate. WPA
is designed to prevent that unlicensed use.

Note: SLP applies only to Windows XP and not to Office XP.
Additionally, Windows XP upgrades do not implement SLP, and thus,
require activation.

If SLP fails, Windows XP falls back to WPA. Some situations that could
cause SLP to fail include:

- An improper BIOS flash that does not include the proper SLP
information. A typical scenario would be to replace the motherboard
with a one that does not contain the OEM-specific version of the BIOS,
and therefore, does not have the proper SLP information.
- The end user breaks the End Users Licensing Agreement (EULA) and
attempts to load SLP-enabled media onto a different computer.
- A virus has infected the computer.

Note: If you have a Windows XP upgrade, or have added third party
components; and are prompted to active, you must contact Microsoft for
any questions regarding Activation.

I hope that the information provided in this email has addressed your
concern adequately.

Please reply to this message if you require further assistance with this
issue. If your reply is received while I am out of the office, to
ensure a speedy resolution, your issue will be handled by one of my
colleagues.

Sincerely,