Reinstalling XP

[roguerower]

As of late my pc has become slower and slower so i've decided to wipe the slate clean, format the hd, and reinstall xp. I bought a legal version of Pro off of newegg. My question is that when i go to format and then reinstall, and then enter the cd key, whether microsoft will allow me to activate it and will see that it is the same pc or whether it will kick it out since i had registered and activated it again. I really don't want to be reinstalling xp every 30 days when it decides to lock me out. help please!

 

[MDE]

If it tries locking you out you can just call Microsoft and they'll activate you over the phone.

 

[MrChad]

You should be able to reactivate online. If not, you can call the toll-free number that Microsoft provides (they are available 24/7) and they will happily provide you with an activation code over the phone. It's really a painless procedure.

 

[skgarach]

it shouldn't be a problem. I've reinstalled windows xp pro numerous times on my machine w/o a problem. And if it doesn't go smoothly, just do what MrChad said.

 

[mechBgon]

When you do reinstall, make sure you take steps to prevent worm infection. If you plug a "raw" WinXP SP1 or SP0 installation straight into broadband these days, you're likely to be pwned in short order. If you have a router, that'll do the job (unless there's a worm-infected box on your side of it). Otherwise this could help.

 

[roguerower]

that hurts

 

[Navid]

There is a database of the key codes for the activated machines (those that are still in the database since there is an expiry period).

A hardware hash (a code that has a one-to-one relationship with 10 components in the machine) is associated with each key.

So, when someone attempts to activate, the database is searched for the key used. If the key is already associated with a different hardware, it will be concluded that the key is in use.

If I am not mistaken, you are saying that you had a different version of XP on your machine before. Now, you want to install a new version of XP with a new code on the same machine.
If this is what you are saying, there should be no problem whatsoever! The database is not based on hardware, it is based on the keys. So, if MS had a hardware description, they could not search the database and find the key. Such a search could come up with multiple keys, not concluding anything.

There should be no registry of this new key in the database if you buy it new from egg.

 

[leepark]

Is this the same reason why my installation of the OS is missing parts (internet explorer and internet connection)? I have, in the last week, installed the OS a few times after formatting the hard drive. Do I have to install the OS with the same configuration of components to get it to work properly?

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: leepark
Do I have to install the OS with the same configuration of components to get it to work properly?

No, that is not what I said!
Something else is causing your problem and I am not sure what!

What I was talking about only affects activation, not performance or functionality.

When you attempt to activate, your components are checked to confirm that you are not attempting to install the software on a different machine.

As far as the OP is concerned he should have no problem since he will be using a new key.

 

[tiap]

Originally posted by: roguerower
As of late my pc has become slower and slower so i've decided to wipe the slate clean, format the hd, and reinstall xp. I bought a legal version of Pro off of newegg. My question is that when i go to format and then reinstall, and then enter the cd key, whether microsoft will allow me to activate it and will see that it is the same pc or whether it will kick it out since i had registered and activated it again. I really don't want to be reinstalling xp every 30 days when it decides to lock me out. help please!

You can reinstall a legal version of xppro every other day on the same machine if you want to, especially if you have not changed any hardware.

 

[daniel49]

The only time I ever had to call was when the hd died and activation thought it was a different machine. called microsoft and they waved the magic wand and all was well.

 

[Munky]

I thought only XP Home had to be activated? I have XP Pro, and never had any activation issues, even though I've reinstalled it a bunch of times.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: munky
I thought only XP Home had to be activated? I have XP Pro, and never had any activation issues, even though I've reinstalled it a bunch of times.

XP Pro and XP Home have to be activated. XP Pro purchased through a volume license agreement (for corporations) does not need to be activated.