re-activating XP

[kev7555]

OK, I've read a lot here about XP legally being used on only one computer. What happens when I have problems with the system, have to unload and re-install it and then re-activate? Is MS so screwed up that I will have to buy ANOTHER copy?

-Kev

[bigandy]

The liscence is for one computer. Things get a little hairy when you start talking about OEM copies, because the install is tied to the machine it was originally installed on. But then you get into, what constitutes the machine being the same, is it if you keep the same case but change all the components inside, and so on. If you have a Retail copy of XP, then you can install it on as many computers as you want, but it can only be installed on one system at a time.

So basically yes, you have to buy another copy of XP.

[kev7555]

No, I mean should I have to reformat the same computer and then re-activate. I've noticed XP will only allow so many activations before it will say that the number of activations has been exceeded.

Is there a way around this (legally).

Also, I'm speaking of a copy of XP Pro that I purcheased at retail. It's not OEM stuff.

-Kev

[bigandy]

Sorry, I misread your question.

You may have to re-activate. I've heard about equal numbers saying that they did have to reactivate, or they didn't have to reactivate after a reinstall. What I had to do when I reinstalled XP was call MS and get a new number from them. Took only a few minutes. No problem at all.

Just a note, if you've surpassed your number of activations, you need to think about changing your computing habits. And if this does happen, I don't really know what to tell you. Best bet would be to call MS.

[kev7555]

OK, I guess I've been skirting around the real issue, as a matter of ethics. I know what the purpose is for MS doing this. It's to prevent software piracy and I know we don't discuss illegal issues here.

The truth is (before I knew any better) I just borrowed a friend's disk and used his to load my fist XP system. I have since learned this is not allowed (and truthfully, not ethical). I was just curious how they determine if you are in legitimate need of a reactivation or if the individual is actually trying to pull one over on Microsoft. I have since purchased my own leagl copy of the system to conform with the stadards set forth.
I also bought an OEM version with my daughter's computer, so I feel I'm doing right by MS.

I was just posing a theoretical question as to the ramifications of having to re-install the system several times. I have encountered the odd occasion where a system would not boot after making changes in software, or losing files as a result of some misconfiguration on my part. I realize the more I learn about troubleshooting the less these things are likely to occur.

My computer habits are very good. I use anti-virus, spyware removers and I am very anal about keeping everything updated and patched (obvioulsy an Internet Explorer user). As a symantec user I update from intelligent updater every day as opposed to waiting for the virus definitions to be released. High speed makes me a bit nervous. I use a router and have heard that this functions as somewhat of a firewall.

I use administrator passwords and change them regularly. I do not share files on my LAN unles I find it absolutely necessary to communicate with one of the other OS's on my network.


But back to the crux of my question...

How many original activations will it give you?


-Kev

[Confused]

I have reloaded mine 3 times in the past 2 and 1/2 years. I had to call MS on the third because it was only a month between loads 2 and 3. This was caused by upgrade and was painless. MS simply issued me another activation code. I believe if you go at least 6 months between reloads activation will go thru without a call to MS.
Chas

[Statica]

This is a good site that deals with some of the questions you've asked: http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php

[kev7555]

OK, thanks a lot guys. You have already cleared up a few issues for me but I'll visit the links anyway.

I realize most of this info is available here, but I have not completely familiarized myself with the site yet.

There is so much information here one can sift through for hours and still only find 10% of it.

Thanks once again,

-Kev

[kev7555]

Statica--

Thank you very much for the link. This answered all of my questions regarding XP activation and re-activation.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

-Kev

[jimmyrules712]

i know from experience, if it gives you problems just call MS, usually theyll let you do whatever your trying to do without even asking questions.

[kev7555]

Well, not exactly...

I made the mistake of telling them it was on two of my computers and they instrected me to unload it from one and install on the other before calling again. I just finally bit the bullet and bought another copy.

I have friend who works for MS and she said she can get me copies at a substantially reduced price (not to be printed here, sorry).

-Kev