Why did I need to re-activate XP?

[ConLog]

Due to a few hardware changes, Windows told me I had to re-activate my copy of Windows XP.

I plan to add a few more parts to my PC.

How many more parts can I add to my PC before Windows tells me I can no longer use this copy of Windows XP?

I'm still using the same motherboard as when I first activated my copy of Windows XP.

TIA.

[mickzer]

Hi ConLog,

How does MPA determine tolerance? How many components of the computer can I change before I have to reactivate?

Common changes to hardware, such as upgrading a video card, adding a second hard disk, adding RAM, or upgrading a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, do not require reactivation.

Specifically, MPA determines tolerance by using a point system. Ten hardware characteristics are used to create the hardware hash. Each characteristic is equal to one point, except the network card, which is equal to three points. Tolerance is determined by what has not changed, instead of what has changed. If the current hardware hash is compared to the original hardware hash, there have to be seven or more matching points for the two hardware hashes to be considered in tolerance. For example, if the network card, which is equal to three points, remains the same, only four additional points have to match. If the network card has been changed, a total of seven points have to match. If the device is a portable computer (specifically a dockable device), additional tolerance is allotted and only four matching points are required. Therefore, if the device is dockable and the network card has not changed, only one additional point has to be the same, for a total of four points. If the device is dockable and the network card has changed, a total of four points have to match.


From here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302878

mickzer.

[ITlover]

According to my limited understanding and knowledge, when ever you make any changes in your computer configuration by adding hardware devices and installing there drivers.
The WinXP Operating System has to update its HAL(Hardware Abstract Layer) according to the changes made to its hardware configuration.
This is possibly the reason why it asks you to reactivate your copy of WinXP.

[piasabird]

How can Microsoft claim to own the hardware and the software?

The courts in the USA let the Monopoly of Microsoft get away with too much.

[Force Flow]

Originally Posted by piasabird How can Microsoft claim to own the hardware and the software? The courts in the USA let the Monopoly of Microsoft get away with too much.

Where do you see that?

The re-activation is to prevent piracy, which will detect if you have the same serial key in use on more than one machine, or if you have transferred it to a new machine.

[sdkfz]

Originally Posted by piasabird How can Microsoft claim to own the hardware and the software? The courts in the USA let the Monopoly of Microsoft get away with too much.

They do not claim to own the hardware, they are using a hardware formula to try to cut back on criminals who try to install the software on more than one machine.

Did you read the provided link? it included this:

How does MPA determine tolerance? How many components of the computer can I change before I have to reactivate?

"Common changes to hardware, such as upgrading a video card, adding a second hard disk, adding RAM, or upgrading a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, do not require reactivation.

Specifically, MPA determines tolerance by using a point system. Ten hardware characteristics are used to create the hardware hash. Each characteristic is equal to one point, except the network card, which is equal to three points. Tolerance is determined by what has not changed, instead of what has changed. If the current hardware hash is compared to the original hardware hash, there have to be seven or more matching points for the two hardware hashes to be considered in tolerance. For example, if the network card, which is equal to three points, remains the same, only four additional points have to match. If the network card has been changed, a total of seven points have to match. If the device is a portable computer (specifically a dockable device), additional tolerance is allotted and only four matching points are required. Therefore, if the device is dockable and the network card has not changed, only one additional point has to be the same, for a total of four points. If the device is dockable and the network card has changed, a total of four points have to match.



Are the changes cumulative? If I change one component today, and then change one component tomorrow, is that considered two component changes?

The changes are cumulative; however, if a user is asked to reactivate, the hardware profile is reset to the new configuration.



What are the 10 hardware characteristics that are used to determine the hardware hash?

The following 10 hardware characteristics are used to determine the hardware hash: • Display adapter
• SCSI adapter
• IDE adapter
• Network adapter media access control address
• RAM amount range (for example, 0-64MB or 64-128MB)
• Processor type
• Processor serial number
• Hard disk device
• Hard disk volume serial number
• CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive "

[piasabird]

Microsoft cleverly writes their software licesnse to link it to specific hardware. How does an operating system sold to the general public become linked to specific hardware? What gave Microsoft the right to do this? I own a computer I built my computer so I am an OEM. If I own one computer and one license for one computer I should be able to install it and reinstall it as often as I want to. If I want to make a backup copy of the OS that should also be my right.

Microsoft instead assumes everyone on earth is a thief and can not be trusted.

[glc]

Piasabird, this is not a suitable forum for debating the issues you bring up. Take it over to Forumclick. I see your statements as inflammatory Microsoft bashing and will not allow it to continue, it is detracting from the quality of assistance provided here. A reply is not expected or recommended.

http://forum.pcmech.com/rules.php

- Admin -