Windows XP Activation

[Sparky_za]

I have a legit WinXP cd with the original key. Microsoft Activation now tells me I have activated this key too many times and I need to get a new one. What's up with this? If I want to format and reinstall my pc everyday for the rest of time, shouldn't that be my problem? How can they say I've used it too many times? Anyone else have this problem? How did you get around it?

 

[bekdik]

You need to call Microsoft. They will allow you to activate it.

 

[pip]

Is it an OEM version that came with a new PC? Then they limit you to that PC

I just won't "phone home". If you have a corporate edition with a corporate key you do not have to phone home. Otherwise try astalavista.box.sk for all your security needs.

 

[dualmeister]

You could do this.
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kb.../Miscellaneous/BackupRestoreXPActivation.html

 

[mancombseepgood]

Yep

You could do this.
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kb.../Miscellaneous/BackupRestoreXPActivation.html

I highly recommend everyone do this - if you have clients, do the same for all their PCs. It is legit IMHO since you can only use these files for that particular hardware setup.

Activation is a waste of time. MS already do enough of that.

 

[Sparky_za]

Thanks for the help guys. Called into Microsoft and it was a pretty painless experience. (Except for typing in all those freaking numbers!!) But yes, definately going to try that backup route now.

 

[Person]

You have 2 options.

You call microsoft and tell them you want to activate the software because you reinstalled.
Or you reinstall it on the pc that if was 1st installed on and just do it over the internet.

OEM you can only do this 3 times...

 

[nGAGEd55]

OEM you can only do this 3 times...

you sure?

I'v got an OEM version of WinXP MCE2005, and I'v reinstalled it at least 5 times,

[EDIT] just remembered, i once had to call them to activate, but I think thats cos it was the second time I had to reinstall within 3 months [/EDIT]

 

[freeek]

you know wat is even more anoyying .... when a motherboard goes faulty and you replace it temporily untill the original comes back ... that is 3 activations and only the first will allow you to do so over the internet ...

 

[S1ght]

hmm, mine used to give me that message but then after a year of nice working windows i had to reinstall and it let me activate over the internet with no problems

 

[freeek]

there is a time span involved ... wher u allowed to change hardware / format