How exactly does Windows XP Actication work?

[TommyVercetti]

There is a whole article on software activation in this months PC Magazine. Just thought I would let you know.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: TommyVercetti

Originally posted by: TuxDave
The one thing I don't get, is let's say I'm trying to be uber legal and want to give my WinXp to a friend. So I uninstall the OS from my computer, will that free up the activation key?

No. You will have to call Microsoft and have to get it reactivated via phone.

Yep every single time you reinstall that copy. My original copy of WinXP was for my laptop and I decided to install it on my desktop. Everytime I've had to reinstall windows, I have to call Microsoft and inform them that it's a legit copy because it doesn't let me reactivate it. Stupid system if you ask me.

No... You don't have to do it every time you reinstall.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Why do you guys hate activation so much? Because it doesn't let you pirate? It takes 2 seconds to click the button that says activate.

 

[konichiwa]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Why do you guys hate activation so much? Because it doesn't let you pirate? It takes 2 seconds to click the button that says activate.

Because when I buy a piece of software I don't want microsoft to necessarily know about it. I don't have to call up Coca-Cola when I buy a drink and tell them where I am, what I've been doing and how I'm going to consume my frosty beverage. Why should I have to for software?

Once I buy it it's mine; don't tell me what to do with it. If they were giving it away for free with activation, that'd be another story.

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: Sid59
store bought computers with preloaded XP don't need to activate, they are already activated.

Yea, not true. THe first time you start up Gateway systems, you have to activate.

people buy Gateways?!

 

[Zee]

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: rbloedow

Originally posted by: CraigRT

Originally posted by: EyeMWing
I own a half dozen copies of WinXP Pro - I just choose not to install the legit copies. Microsoft can blow me on the activation.

i hate that dumbass activation crap...

I hate dumbasses who think that product activation hurts them, or wastes time.

Why? Because they're right?

I have to do it everytime too. Wastes about 15 minutes everytime.

 

[Chaotic42]

I just sold a copy to my friend's dad. Will both of us have to talk to MS or what?

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: dabuddha

Originally posted by: TommyVercetti

Originally posted by: TuxDave
The one thing I don't get, is let's say I'm trying to be uber legal and want to give my WinXp to a friend. So I uninstall the OS from my computer, will that free up the activation key?

No. You will have to call Microsoft and have to get it reactivated via phone.

Yep every single time you reinstall that copy. My original copy of WinXP was for my laptop and I decided to install it on my desktop. Everytime I've had to reinstall windows, I have to call Microsoft and inform them that it's a legit copy because it doesn't let me reactivate it. Stupid system if you ask me.

i dont hvae to do that and i have a legiit copy why that??

i have my copy of XP installed on 2 comps and will on 3rd soon. and i never have to call MS

do you have an academic version? some academic copies are probably the corporate version that doesn't require activation

i have no idea. I know its a OEM version tho couse it says that. the cover of it is all shiny and hologram like

i think someone once tole me it was a Volume media release or something like that

Doesn't sound very legit to me. OEM version are only licensed to be installed onto the computer that the OEM came with.