Topic: Quick XP Activation Questions (Read 5327 times)

Vipre · « **on:** January 21, 2007, 12:09:45 pm »

I've gathered that when you do a fresh install XP it has to connect to Microsoft for some kind of activation.

1) Do I understand that correctly?

2) What happens if you don't have internet service? Does XP still work?

3) Vista sounds like it's going to be a pain in the @$$ and XP sounds like it has the potential for trouble as well. What MS OS would be reccomended as an alternative if XP does try to knife me?

P.S. I'm too dumb and lazy to learn Linux or how to run a Mac OS on my Dell

Sirgod · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2007, 01:10:53 pm »

For question 1, yes, every time you reinstall XP, you have 30 days to activate it. I believe there is a way to do it by phone though, instead of going online.

Not sure about Vista, I can't get too excited about it. Hmm. for another MS OS, might try 2000 or even Media. Not sure if Media needs activation though.

Stephen

atheorhaven · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2007, 02:57:41 pm »

Quote from: Vipre on January 21, 2007, 12:09:45 pm

I've gathered that when you do a fresh install XP it has to connect to Microsoft for some kind of activation.

1) Do I understand that correctly?

2) What happens if you don't have internet service? Does XP still work?

3) Vista sounds like it's going to be a pain in the @$$ and XP sounds like it has the potential for trouble as well. What MS OS would be reccomended as an alternative if XP does try to knife me?

P.S. I'm too dumb and lazy to learn Linux or how to run a Mac OS on my Dell

Best bet is Windows 2000 for your system. 2000 was the core that they built XP on, but it doesn't have to be "activated", just the COA during install. XP will have to be activated over the phone, and that can get annoying. For the install I'm typing on now, I called in and got quite a condescending agent who didn't seem to understand that because I have an MSDN licence, I can install the one copy on 10 machines. I finally got him to send an activation code, and that got it up and running, but I also backed up the activation so that if I have to reinstall, I can reactivate it myself.

None of that with Windows 2000, but you'll have some fun with any hard drive over 137 GB unless you turn on 48 bit LBA with it.

Stay away from Vista unless you really really need it.. just flash and WindowsBlinds for all intents and purposes. If you want the look, WindowsBlinds runs on W2K and'll give you a similar look.

I have a Dell machine myself, and once I backed up the original install, it was formatted and W2K went on it. And I've got twice the speed out of it now..

MrCue · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2007, 03:40:41 pm »

Quote from: Stephen NCC -73070 on January 21, 2007, 01:10:53 pm

might try 2000 or even Media. Not sure if Media needs activation though.

MCE is XP with a program that runs on top of it.

E_Look · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2007, 03:51:04 pm »

There is a Microsoft phone number you can find after calling one or two numbers listed on their website through which you can be re-activated, and not be considered another activation. Do tell them that you had suffered a crash that wiped out your first installation, however.

I apologize I don't have that number now, nor remember it.

Vipre · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2007, 04:03:01 pm »

Thanks to all of you for the info. I remember a time when you bought a program, installed a program and then forgot about the program. Now you have to get anally probed in order to use your PC

Oh what a world...what a cruel cruel world.

Vipre · « **Reply #6 on:** January 27, 2007, 11:35:41 pm »

I just realized I forgot the most important question.

4) What does the activation look like?

I, as fate would have it, had to wipe my hardrive and reinstall XP two days ago. After doing this I went to the Microsoft Update page and updated to SP2 and got all the security updates. I never saw anything about activating my install. Bear in mind I have a Dell Dimension 8200 and my XP cd says Only use this CD to reinstall the operating system on a Dell computer. & For distribution only with a new Dell computer.

Is there somthing different about my XP disc that doesn't require activation?

Thanks again everyone, you've been very helpfull

Vipre · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2007, 03:16:18 pm »

Before anyone else has a chance to I'll say it myself..."Why don't you just ask Microsoft."

Went to the Microsoft website and looked at the help info about activation. It seem that once XP is activated on a system I can reinstall it as many times as I want on that system and XP will activate itself during the install process. So I'm fine as long as I don't try installing on a new machine. Now I understand why changing the motherboard can be a problem.

IAF Lyrkiller · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2007, 04:14:44 pm »

If it is OEM there is no reason to activate. My dad has a Dell and I have never activated his system at all.

Your friendly neighborhood pc tech.

Elvis · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2007, 08:56:10 pm »

Quote from: Vipre on January 28, 2007, 03:16:18 pm

Before anyone else has a chance to I'll say it myself..."Why don't you just ask Microsoft."

Went to the Microsoft website and looked at the help info about activation. It seem that once XP is activated on a system I can reinstall it as many times as I want on that system and XP will activate itself during the install process. So I'm fine as long as I don't try installing on a new machine. Now I understand why changing the motherboard can be a problem.

You won't have a problem if you change the motherboard. I changed the processor, motherboard and hard drive out of an Emachine. I did a clean install of Windows, and used the CD key from the back of the Emachine. A Windows activation icon appeared in the tray, it wouldn't activate online however and required me to call. No problem with that either, less than 10 minutes and the machine was activated. The only question that was asked of me was if the OS was installed on only one system. I tell no one anything unless specifically asked, if asked why so many changes I would of just said I had to replace components.

Vipre · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2007, 11:32:24 pm »

Thank you both for the replies.

Since XP will be my OS for at least the next 3-5 years I figured I should get as much information on any possible problems with activation as that appeared to be a big issue with upgrading hardware (and since I find myself reinstalling my OS at least once a year). Thanks to all the info here I feel at more at ease about working with XP.

I wonder though, with Vista out how long MS will support XP activation over the phone? How long before upgrading to Vista is no longer a choice. I guess that doesn't matter, the day will come when new software will only run on the newest OS and I'll just buy a system that already has Vista installed. Besides up until March of '06 I had a 400MHz system running Windows 98 that I bought in '99 which had 95 on it until '01, so I can wait.

The Bar-Abbas Anomaly · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2007, 09:55:15 pm »

Vipre, I'm guessing that you have a Dell OEM XP Pro (or Home) SP2 CD, and re-installed onto a Dell computer. In this situation, your CD would have checked the BIOS during installation, found that you were installing onto a Dell computer and activated itself automatically without ever contacting Micro$oft.

There is nothing more to do. If this isn't what happened, your Windows Installation will certainly tell you about it soon enough and give you a phone # to bang your head against as you try to convince someone for whom Inglish isn't his first language that your copy of their software is paid for and legal...

Vipre · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2007, 11:37:23 pm »

Quote from: B'Rabbas on February 02, 2007, 09:55:15 pm

Vipre, I'm guessing that you have a Dell OEM XP Pro (or Home) SP2 CD, and re-installed onto a Dell computer. In this situation, your CD would have checked the BIOS during installation, found that you were installing onto a Dell computer and activated itself automatically without ever contacting Micro$oft.

There is nothing more to do. If this isn't what happened, your Windows Installation will certainly tell you about it soon enough and give you a phone # to bang your head against as you try to convince someone for whom Inglish isn't his first language that your copy of their software is paid for and legal...

Yes, the CD is wine colored and says Operating System at the top then Re-installation CD Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Including Service Pack 1 below that. Then at the bottom it has the Dell logo. It's the CD that came with the system.

Like I said before, the only thing I was thinking about was hardware upgrades and the problems with activation they sometimes cause. It's good to know that I should be able to replace a graphics card, sound card or cd/dvd drive without having to worry about hassles from my OS. Plus at the moment I have a backup 2.0GHz Dell in case this one goes belly up.

Elvis · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2007, 10:38:47 pm »

Quote from: B'Rabbas on February 02, 2007, 09:55:15 pm

Vipre, I'm guessing that you have a Dell OEM XP Pro (or Home) SP2 CD, and re-installed onto a Dell computer. In this situation, your CD would have checked the BIOS during installation, found that you were installing onto a Dell computer and activated itself automatically without ever contacting Micro$oft.

There is nothing more to do. If this isn't what happened, your Windows Installation will certainly tell you about it soon enough and give you a phone # to bang your head against as you try to convince someone for whom Inglish isn't his first language that your copy of their software is paid for and legal...

I have not had any problems activating Windows over the phone, less than 5 minutes have been spent on the phone in each instance. No hassles or fuss, I've even used an OEM license key off an Emachine on a completely custom built computer. I figured if MS activates it then it must be "legal use".

Midnight Tech · « **Reply #14 on:** February 19, 2007, 12:39:05 am »

Quote from: Vipre on January 31, 2007, 11:32:24 pm

Thank you both for the replies.

Since XP will be my OS for at least the next 3-5 years I figured I should get as much information on any possible problems with activation as that appeared to be a big issue with upgrading hardware (and since I find myself reinstalling my OS at least once a year). Thanks to all the info here I feel at more at ease about working with XP.

I wonder though, with Vista out how long MS will support XP activation over the phone? How long before upgrading to Vista is no longer a choice. I guess that doesn't matter, the day will come when new software will only run on the newest OS and I'll just buy a system that already has Vista installed. Besides up until March of '06 I had a 400MHz system running Windows 98 that I bought in '99 which had 95 on it until '01, so I can wait.

My understanding is that MS will release a patch when they end-of-life XP which will allow for the user to self-activate it. Hope this goes better than updating for new DST rules on a 2000 or earlier machine...it's a royal pain (especially if you accidentally DELETE the time zone you're trying to update).

Nemesis · « **Reply #15 on:** February 19, 2007, 05:57:00 am »

Quote from: Midnight Tech on February 19, 2007, 12:39:05 am

My understanding is that MS will release a patch when they end-of-life XP which will allow for the user to self-activate it.

The phrasing I saw was "will likely" release such a patch. Not exactly a commitment that they can be held to. Given that Ballmer is backpedalling on how well Vista is selling I suspect that the likelyhood has dropped. I also suspect that they'll be sued if they don't.

The Bar-Abbas Anomaly · « **Reply #16 on:** February 19, 2007, 07:43:26 am »

I think it's more likely that they'll just push back the 'end-of-life' date for XP. The patch could/should still be part of the plan.

Sirgod · « **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2007, 10:34:43 am »

Hey Barrabas, I might just be calling on you for some PC help, if you think Remote Desktop can help. Here's my problem bro...

The Bar-Abbas Anomaly · « **Reply #18 on:** February 20, 2007, 02:07:25 pm »

I love the drop-light hanging down in the middle of that shot!

Sirgod · « **Reply #19 on:** February 20, 2007, 02:16:50 pm »

The sad thing is, that's not far from the truth. I spent most of yesterday, repairing 2 PS2's. Had to fix the Disk Read errors on both the big one and the slim line.

Turn the dial insert CD check for loading, repeat about a billion times. Then When I started the small one, It had two disks to adjust the lens.

I had parts all over the place here.

That Drop light would have came in handy by the time the day was ending.

Anyway, I'll be buying a new PS2 next month.

Stephen

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Topic: Quick XP Activation Questions (Read 5327 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

Topic: Quick XP Activation Questions (Read 5327 times)