My first issue with XP Product Activation

[TechnoPro]

Simple story. I built a PC for my mother 1.5 - 2 years ago. Installed an OEM copy of XP SP1 (brand new copy from NewEgg).

I chose to reformat and reinstall recently since I could not troubleshoot a minor, but compromising problem.

Online activation failed. Something about an invalid product key. This product key was only activated that one time during the initial build. Why would it be deemed invalid?

So I call the 800 number and 7 minutes later I'm activated. My only issue was that I had a hard time understanding the questions that the phone rep was asking me. A very thick Indian accent...

So my question is this. Why would the Microsoft activation server deny me in the first place if my key has only been used once? The only thing I can think of is that a keygen program created my key and people have used it... But that sounds like a stretch.

So what happens if I need to reformat again in the future? Will I be denied again? Can Microsoft ever issue a new key if someone's legitimate license is compromised?

 

[lxskllr]

I wouldn't worry about it tbh. I rebuilt my Dell computer and used the copy of XP that came with that. Since it was no longer using the Dell mb I had to call in to activate. I've done that twice now with no problems.

As to your particular circumstance, it may just be one of those wierd computer things where it didn't work for some unknown reason. If you reinstall and get denied again, just activate over the phone like you did. It's a bit of a pain in the ass, but it still only takes a few minutes and you get what you need in the end.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: TechnoPro
So what happens if I need to reformat again in the future? Will I be denied again?

Microsoft is "trying" to cut down on piracy. Should the online activation fail again you'll just have to waste another 7 min. of your life activating by phone.

Can Microsoft ever issue a new key if someone's legitimate license is compromised?

I've never heard of them doing so.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: lxskllr
I rebuilt my Dell computer and used the copy of XP that came with that. Since it was no longer using the Dell mb I had to call in to activate. I've done that twice now with no problems.

Did you replace it with an identical (I suppose an equivalent if the original is unobtainable, but that may still be considered a grey area) mainboard, or was it simply time to upgrade to newer hardware? If it's the latter then you are pirating the operating system. A new mainboard is considered a new system in the eyes of MS. Here's what MS has to say about it:

?An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a ?new personal computer? to which Microsoft® OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.?

The reason Microsoft gave for this term is that ?Microsoft needed to have one base component ?left standing? that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the ?heart and soul? of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.?

 

[lxskllr]

Pretty much all new. I used an Asus mb. I told them the truth and they let it go through, this was January 05. They might be getting tougher on that lately though.


Edit: cpu, hd, pci slot cards, and optical drives were from Dell

 

[Tobolo]

This has primarily been the policy for their retailers. Its a new thing for the home owner that will be enforced with Vista. As long as you told the truth and they gave you the key then you are fine. The person on the phone acts as a repersenative of Microsoft. So no worries m8.