ARGG!! I HATE MICROSOFT!!! (xp activation rant!)

[Chadder007]

Ive already ran into this Activiation problem myself. I had to reinstall the OS and Office XP because some drivers crapped my system out. It wouldn't let me activate it again, had to call Microsoft. I can tell you right now, the business I work for is definitaly considering Linux.....for many of our systems as a replacement. Mainly Servers

 

[KK]

<<

<< screw 'em. install the corp version and the the legit one on ebay. it's just karma for supporting an illegal monopoly. >>

It's not a monopoly. God you "Microsoft-is-a-monopoly" people are idiots!

Nik >>



Microsoft is a monopoly, plain and simple. Whether or not it's illegal is where the question lies. Microsoft is a great run company, I will not deny that. I can't see one thing that they have done wrong as far as turning profits is concerned, and that's why they are in business. Breaking it up will probably just about screw everything up. Just like what happened when government broke up other companies. (AT&T)

KK

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

<< wtf? what doesnt make it a monopoly? >>

What does? The first judge's ruling was thrown out because he was bias. The second one is simply a moron. There are other options to MS products, and they're easily available. That kinda says to me that anyone complaining about MS having too much control is wearing blinders.

But I don't want to keep thread crapping, so I'll leave it at that.

Nik

 

[GTaudiophile]

Just go find a copy of "WinXP Corporate" and forget about 'em.

That or go to a real OS like OS X.

 

[no0b]

yes there are alternatives but who controls 90+% of the desktop OS. and they are abusing their monopoly have you seen their prices lately then compare them to a linux os (one that you actually have to pay for) and tell me they arent price gouging sp?

 

[KK]

<< Linux has been noobifed quite a bit If you were to check it out, I'd highly recommend the mandrake distribution. Best for the desktops. Microsoft has a hold on you only if you let them. They are going after linux (trying everything in their power...including...dirty tricks) to try and stomp it. Not much they can do about it...it is too widespread. As for hardware compadiblity...mandrake detects most hardware. Your hardware would pretty much have to be "bleeding edge technology" to not get detected Scanner, not a problem, printer, not a problem..as far as a digital camera...mine works without any problems! (And to be honest, it doesn't work in windows! go figure!) check out www.linux-mandrake.com. 8.2 is coming out soon...but you can download (yes..legally download ) 8.1 to see if you like it. >>



Maybe that would a good reason to build a new pc. Keep the old one for the wife to do her stuff, that way I don't have to listen to "What did you do to the computer?"
Does linux do all kinds of video formats, mpeg, divx. How about browsers, cd burning programs, image editing programs?

KK

 

[LiQiCE]

<< << If you bought it, why can't you take it back to the store you bought it from and tell them that this copy doesn't work right and exchange it for a new one? Then you'd have a different product key and you could probably do the online activation without a problem. Thats what I would do.. >>

A. its been a while since he bought it (i dont know the polcies)
B. he might have to pay a open box fee
C. the money is not the point its that M$ is suck
okay well money is the point for stealling it but not in his case since he bought it
>>



A. Well, I would assume that most places have a 30-day exchange policy. Since the item is defective and he's not asking for his money back, he should be able to get a new one. (He bought in January, so there is a fairly good chance that he's still within his 30 days).
B. No Open Box fees on exchanges for defective merchandise .. At least I've never seen a place that does that when you're exchanging.
C. I thought the point is that he's trying to get his girlfriend's computer to work... If thats what he's trying to do, exchanging it for a new one with a valid CD-Key could very well solve the problem.

I'm assuming what has happened is that some jerk bought WinXP in November and installed/activated it, but then returned it and then the store re-sold it. So product activation is now all messed up since its tied in with another person's computer.

Not trying to get involved with the Linux/Microsoft wars here because I feel there's a place for both OS's... Just trying to help solve Luckster's problem.

 

[Siddhartha]

Yep,
This is why I am not using and why I am never going to use XP. I can understand their desire to combat piracy. But screw them if they think I am going to tolerate that activation crap.

 

[Platypus]

With windows.. 2k is better anyway. XP is slow, fruity coloured and tied down with activiation bullsh.t
I choose not to use windows if I have the chance, because with linux I can really answer the question "where do you want to go today".
WIth windows, you're gonna have to follow the wizard

 

[Lucky]

<< Um, duh...thats why you go and download a corporate version of winxp. No activation required.

Hell if I'm gonna live with that horse sh!t. Maybe i'd actually pay for the OS if i didn't have to call of MS every time I wanted to install new hardware.

>>




*ahem*. I do have the corp version, which I evaluated and then uninstalled. For some god unknown reason, I figured I'd actually buy an OS for once. <shakes head> I'll never do that again.

 

[Lucky]

and linux is simply not an option, it doesn't natively run 99% of the applications I use daily.

 

[no0b]

<< and linux is simply not an option, it doesn't natively run 99% of the applications I use daily. >>


You would be pleasantly surprised to find that there are alot of nock off's of your appz for linux.

 

[Lucky]

<<

<< and linux is simply not an option, it doesn't natively run 99% of the applications I use daily. >>


You would be pleasantly surprised to find that there are alot of nock off's of your appz for linux. >>





If I only used normal applications such as office suites, etc. then I know full well that linux would be fine. However, for the applications I run daily linux is not an option. I've actually never used linux, and Im considering experimenting (always a first for everything ) but at this time it is not an option to replace my main rig (or my other four rigs, for that matter)

 

[Lars]

Call them again and let them activate it. I had problems with them too but at the end I got it activated. Just get on their nerves.

 

[no0b]

<<

<< I tried Linux (suse 7.3) I liked it alot but I could never install those damned rpm's because of dependancies. I also couldn't play win games for obvious reasons. I might reconsider going back but I would defanity sp? do it on another non major comp or dual booting. >>




if you want easy to install programs off the net and not need to worry about dependancies...check out the ximian desktop. www.ximian.com. It has a VERY nice desktop and my fav email client. evolution!

it has an awesome upgrading program...i've never seen anything work so well!

the only problem is their bandwidth....it's SLOW (avg 4-8k/sec) unless your willing to fork up the money to purchase faster downloading speed. >>


Will try when I feel lilke messing with it again. Thank You

 

[no0b]

<<
If I only used normal applications such as office suites, etc. then I know full well that linux would be fine. However, for the applications I run daily linux is not an option. I've actually never used linux, and Im considering experimenting (always a first for everything ) but at this time it is not an option to replace my main rig (or my other four rigs, for that matter) >>


I barely know all the app's but name a few app's that you use and I think some will be in linux.

 

[Lucky]

<< I barely know all the app's but name a few app's that you use and I think some will be in linux. >>




I knew you'd say that.

Well, first of all, I use a small amount (2-3) of custom written programs. Asking the coder to rewrite them for linux is simply not an option, too many thousands of hours are already put in them.

Until I find a job, Im a pro internet gambler, meaning that on average I might have 75-80 casinos on my rig. If you can find me a emulator that will pefectly run the already-sometimes-unstable windows casinos, then perhaps I'd consider. However, I also use some custom written programs in this endeavor.

In regards to applications that deal with my real passion-photography-Im not aware of any that possess the capability of Photoshop, or quarkxpress which I also use. I'd be skeptical if someone were to tell me I would be able to seamlessly use a linux PS6 and transfer files between both macs and PC's. However, I'm open to listening.

Beyond that, I play RTCW, use dreamweaver4 for my website, morpheus for the "shareware", and trillian to stay on top of my buddies.

 

[no0b]

well (gulp) all your messanger services are taken care of except microsoft's with linux app's.

 

[Lucky]

great! I'll build a "messenging rig."

 

[Platypus]

<< well (gulp) all your messanger services are taken care of except microsoft's with linux app's. >>



Uh?

Gaim handles MSN, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, and IRC....

Sounds like you should use windows. Sometimes linux isn't the best answer to your OS needs. Get 2k pro and you should be set.

 

[dude8604]

http://www.winehq.com/

^^Windows emulator for Linux.

 

[calpha]

I had the almost same thing happen to me. Except it was from a reinstall. I had to call them, and jump through their hoops. Next time I activate it's going to be a pain, because of all the machines I upgrade (family and stuff), I can't remember what I changed. They do ask you what you chagned, so they can verify it's you the next time you call to re-activate.

I"m a programmer, pre and post internet programmer that's having a hard as nutz time finding a job right now. My skills and EXPERIENCe are tied to windows, but believe me, when teh day comes that I can switch, I will. I don't use Office XP, nor will I ever. I use XP PRO because I have to (testing for development purposes).

I always buy my software that I use, and I have no quams about doing that. But, I'm one of the millions I hope, that will eventually tell Microsoft to stuff it.

<--- Looking and hoping for ways to make a segueway into Linux as my bread earner.

 

[Jerboy]

<< OK, so following this thread,, I try and go legit with XP, get the reinstall working and try to activate it. Online activation says it cant be authorized. So I call in. Cant be authorized. So Im transferred to a real person. I spit out the 50-digit code to them, and he says "Sorry sir, but we show that you already activated this on november 31st."

I BOUGHT IT IN JANUARY!!!!
>>



Is it possible that someone bought it, activated it, but the store owner decided to bend the rule and let him return the box, which got resold to you?

 

[yakko]

<<

<< I was just saying that this is one reason to not go legit. One reason to go legit is not going legit is illegal. There, it's even.
As far as Linux, do all programs that work with windows work with it?

KK >>



That's a rather close mind set. It's like asking if all the programs that work with windows work with a mac or OS/2.

It IS a different operating system. I wish people would expand their mind outside of the windows world sometimes.

But to anwser your question, if you TRULY wish to run a windows app in linux, it is possible...using wine.

But it's unneccsary...plenty of linux apps to do the same job. >>

Just because it does the same job does not mean I like it. A Yugo will get me to work the same as a McLaren F1 but I will not like it anywhere near as much.







My solution is to buy a copy and install the corporate edition. That way you have paid for the right to legally use it on one machine and that is all you are doing.

 

[Ns1]

just curious, but playing devil's advocate here....


maybe if software piracy wasn't so rampant msoft wouldn't have to resort to activation here?