Windows xp cd key

[Spearball]

I got a real copy of windows xp. The full thing with service pack 2. I already used it on my pc i built and i know that i can only use the cd key once because microsoft takes a note of it when you activate windows. Since i cant use the same key again can i buy another key on the microsoft website or by calling them? I just wanna make sure before i do anything. I really don't understand how cd keys work for windows xp.......

[Panama Red]

You can get another key but the price is typically higher than buying another OEM copy of XP.

[Spearball]

Thanks. Just one last question i had. When you activate windows you have i think 3 more times to activate it before you cant activate it with the key anymore. So lets say u had to reinstall windows and new hardware and stuff does that mean after 3 times you have to pay again or each time do you call microsoft and they activate it by phone.

[Ob1]

from my understanding you can activate it unlimited amounts of time, if you have trouble then call microsoft to get it activated. if you switch pcs then call microsoft and from my understanding they deactivate the product on your old machine and activate it on your new machine, at least thats what a buddy did all the time.

[chuck4456]

You can activate it forever - free - as long as it's being used in one system. Call MS - they'll have you describe the disc and read out everything on it - ask you what color it is - etc. They'll give you a new number. They do (however) prefer to do this while you are at the computer.

[Spearball]

Oh ok thanks i can understand now how the microsoft products work. I guess this is why once you install your genuine copy of windows they want you to activate it. Not only so microsoft knows what you have in your comuter but also so that they know you dont got a fake. This is why when you have a fake you can't get any updates or anything because it hasnt been activated. You only got 30 days though so fakes are not good unless some peopel who like to break the law hack it.

[Ob1]

Product Activation Overview

Microsoft Product Activation is an anti-piracy technology designed to verify that software products have been legitimately licensed. This aims to reduce a form of piracy known as casual copying. Activation also helps protect against hard drive cloning. Activation is quick, simple, and unobtrusive, and it protects your privacy.

Product Activation works by verifying that a software program's product key has not been used on more personal computers than intended by the software's license. You must use the product key in order to install the software and then it is transformed into an installation ID number. You use an activation wizard to provide the installation ID number to Microsoft either through a secure transfer over the Internet, or by telephone. A confirmation ID is sent back to your machine to activate your product.

The installation ID number includes an encrypted form of the product ID and a hardware hash, or checksum. No personally identifying data is included or required. The confirmation ID is simply an unlocking code for the Windows XP installation on that particular PC.

If you overhaul your computer by replacing a substantial number of hardware components, it may appear to be a different PC. You may have to reactivate Windows XP. If this should occur, you can call the telephone number displayed on the activation screen to reactivate the software.

[mojo]

Spearball, you are confused about the difference between a retail copy of windows and an OEM version. With a retail version, you can activate it an unlimited amount of times, as long as you use it on one PC at a time, just like others in this thread have described. With an OEM version, you can only activate it once. OEM versions are cheaper and must be purchased with hardware.

[glc]

However, OEM versions can be reactivated if a hardware upgrade triggers it - but you will have to do it by telephone and explain.