Activating Windows XP

[tminz]

As expected, I have found a way to load so much crap on my HD that I'm not sure if I need nor want!I have backed up certain files that I know I want to keep and was considering performing the dreaded re-install of the OS. The reason being is I would like to set a System Restore point(which I neglected to do the first time) immediately after I have the OS and all my device drivers installed, so when (not IF ) I mess things up again, I can just go back to that point.
Anyway, my question is, is there a limit to how many times you can activate WinXP? This will be the third time for me! The first was when I first installed the OS on my HD. Then I installed all my other components (modems, printers, cameras ...etc.) and I had to re-activate windows because of the"significant hardware changes"! Thanks in advance for any thoghts!

tminz

[raftero]

don't think so,if there are no significent hardwaare changes it will prob.activate on line,if not then you can call ms i don't thi;nk there should be a problem.

[not important]

I've re-activated a number of times. I do it over the internet.

[AzCoastie]

No limit... However, if you re-install frequently, you may be forced to call M$ to activate vice doing it over the net.

Calling them isn't a big deal either. A simple toll free number, give them a number and they'll give you a number back to activate. Done!

HTH

[tminz]

Thanks everyone! Well, Here I Go!


tminz

[ktkendall]

I do remember reading another Post on this subject where it was mentioned that there is a limit of 8 times but calling and explaining the situation to the CSR at MS and they can still give you the activation key...

[Tuf]

If you activate it several times in any 120 day window they will often have you call. I've never had them ask anything more than " You reinstalling windows?". At which point they give the number.

[Strider]

I think you might be able to squeak one more internet activation out, but if not it is no big deal in giving Microsoft a call and getting it manually activated.

Just for a side note, I recently moved Windows XP Home onto a different computer so I could install Windows 2000 Pro onto that computer. Zero problems in activation, it's my belief this activation scheme is to stop software piracy, while it isn't 100 percent foolproof it is better than what they had. I think more and more software companies will be going to this form of activation, I have a couple of non-Microsoft products right now that require activation.

[HAL9000]

I had several re-activations due to hardware changes and was able to re-activate online. Then, one day I changed hardware again and got a msg that I had activated my copy too many times and that I would have to purchase a new copy. I thought "Like $#%@ I'm gonna purchase a new copy and proceeded to do the phone in activation. Well, that's an automated process and it failed as well, so I was transferred to a MS representative. She asked for the product ID number and then said "While this is generating a new activation number, I need to ask why you need to re-activate". I told her that since I am in the computer industry, I change hardware in my machine anywhere from a weekly to a monthly basis. She then said OK and proceeded to give me the new activation ID. I asked her about the msg saying that I would have to "purchase" a new copy, she told me that's worded REALLY bad and that that msg more applies to somebody who has been caught with a pirated copy.

[Miz]

If you plan to reinstall XP on the same hardware, you can back up the activation status and then restore it after you reinstall the OS. To save the activation status, back up the wpa.dbl file from the System32 folder to a disk or other location.

After you reinstall the OS, perform the following steps:

1. Start your Windows installation in Minimal Safe mode.
2. Move to the main drive's System32 folder.
3. Rename wpa.dbl to wpa.noact.
4. Copy your backed up wpa.dbl file to the system32 folder.
5. Reboot your system as usual.

This procedure isn't a hack to avoid activating installations and will work only on the exact same hardware for an XP installation that you've already activated.