activation after a couple years?

[Briab Guy]

I started my PC today and can't get online (thats in another post).
Try the 2nd HD to see whats up and (its XP) it needs activated. HMMMM,
It is a 2 yr old install. Its been activated, for awhile!

I tried to ask the nice man at micro soft but he did not seem to care what I was interested in.
( I thought they were supposed to take some kind of "be nice" lesson's).
Matter of fact he hung up on me, but to be fair I could have been disconnected.

So, can someone tell me why after a couple yr's I needed to reactivate W XP?
Thanks

[Panama Red]

Any change in key hardware that was installed at the time of the original activation will cause a need for reactivation. Did you change hard drives, cd/dvd drives, mobo or vid card recently?

[EzyStvy]

Did you try the auto - on line activation?

[Briab Guy]

Well, Ive made no hardware changes, I would understand it if I did. My NIC died and maybe that is enough (I didnt think so).

Did you try the auto - on line activation?
I started my PC today and can't get online (thats in another post).
So no online anything for now.
thanks

[glc]

Stick a nic in it and try the online activation.

[wooosh]

having the same problem.... glc, whats a 'nic'?

[EzyStvy]

Network Interface Card.

[Briab Guy]

Had flu-really,really suk's. First day feeling human.

To keep it simple I just had to call and RE-activate my OS of xp pro. No idea why. Its legit. And I got no answers anywhere else. Like M/S.

wooosh: Just call the number they give you (somewhere). I honestly don't remember the call other then it worked. I was mostly, and am still curious as to why it happened. I have made changes in video cards etc in the past... and not had to re-activate.
Another of lifes mysteries.
Thanks for the replies.
B

[David M]

Its a piracy thing. The same license from two different hardware configurations is an indicator to Microsoft that the same OS license may be copied on to two machines. In my opinion the alarm bell goes off way too easy forcing people to have to make their way through their customer support labyrinth...(talking to multiple people and getting put on hold multiple times) Hint: go to the bathroom, get food, water and a sleeping bag before calling Microsoft's tech support. The automated activation system has never worked for me except for a first time activation of a license.

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by David M The automated activation system has never worked for me except for a first time activation of a license.

I use it all the time and never have any trouble. First you get the "automated lady" where you enter the code from the Activation Screen on your computer. She either gives you a new key to enter or you get transferred to Habib so you can verify that the Product Key you are using is only installed on one computer. He's always polite and gives out the new Activation code. The entire process takes less than 6 minutes and I've never been put on hold. Same scenario holds true for Multiple licenced products like Office Home and Student. You can use them on 3 computers and if you replace one with a new pc, you can still use the same copy - you just have to call Habib and explain what you are doing.

[David M]

For some reason I never got transferred to him directly. I get sent through numerous people and then get Habib. Yes, they are all nice people.