Too many Windows activations?

[Tachion]

Argh! I've been having a lot of problems with my system recently and it's required me to keep reformatting and re-activating to diagnose the problem (since it's rather sporadic, so it takes a bit of use to see any problems pop up).

Just put in another HD today that I know works, and I go to activate Windows and it tells me I've done it too many times. I've never installed this copy on another system... it's always been this system. The only major hardware changes I've made were the hard drives, so I thought it wouldn't be an issue.

I guess my question is this: how likely is it that Microsoft will understand my situation and reset the activation thing? There's no way I'm shelling out the $200-ish for a new key, and I really don't want to have a defunct system.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Tachion
I've never installed this copy on another system... The only major hardware changes I've made were the hard drives.

how likely is it that Microsoft will understand my situation and reset the activation thing?

100%

But, try to solve the problem before calling. If not, you may be right where you are now in a few days again!

 

[g8wayrebel]

Yep , it is just a matter of a phone call and getting the code from the operator to activate.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Tachion
Argh! I've been having a lot of problems with my system recently and it's required me to keep reformatting and re-activating to diagnose the problem (since it's rather sporadic, so it takes a bit of use to see any problems pop up).

Just put in another HD today that I know works, and I go to activate Windows and it tells me I've done it too many times. I've never installed this copy on another system... it's always been this system. The only major hardware changes I've made were the hard drives, so I thought it wouldn't be an issue.

I guess my question is this: how likely is it that Microsoft will understand my situation and reset the activation thing? There's no way I'm shelling out the $200-ish for a new key, and I really don't want to have a defunct system.

The chances, as someone else said, 100%.
Bill

 

[Tachion]

Alright, thanks a lot everyone. I thought that they would probably do it, but I just wanted to make sure.

 

[Cogman]

I was stressing out when I was about to go over my activation limit. When I called it went something like this.
"Hi, I need to activate windows, I just...."
"Ok, read the number on the screen"
"Blah blah blah"
"Ok, now enter this number blah blah blah"
"Thanks,"
"your welcome"
Absolutely no hassle, they didn't even ask me if I was installing it on a different computer (she cut me off of my explanation). So don't sweat it.

 

[Blazer]

what problems are you having that you can seem to find?

 

[Skeeedunt]

If this is Vista, in the future just install it without entering a key. You can extend the trial thing for 120 (?) days. Once you're comfortable that it's working properly, activate away.

 

[thegorx]

The way activatation is setup is a total pain in the ass
it totally stupid, first you go online and you get the no go and a phone number to call then you get a computer on the phone .... a computer asking you the huge number that windows has now given you and then the computer tells you no and you wait for someone to answer the phone, some rare times a lot more than a few minutes... then gues what ... yup they ask for the number again as if their computer could have passed that information on to them in the first place. Then you get an equally large number to basically unlock your system. That is the best microsoft can come up with ... what's the real reason for this, it can't be that stupid for no reason.


Anyway before you do anything with your computer back it up. Hardware or even driver changes can set off activation.

 

[cnorton]

What is the number you call@ Microsoft for this problem? I am planning on replacing my mb next week so I will be dealing with this soon.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: cnorton
What is the number you call@ Microsoft for this problem? I am planning on replacing my mb next week so I will be dealing with this soon.

The number that your system gives you on the screen if/when you need to call in.

 

[manowar821]

Originally posted by: Cogman
I was stressing out when I was about to go over my activation limit. When I called it went something like this.
"Hi, I need to activate windows, I just...."
"Ok, read the number on the screen"
"Blah blah blah"
"Ok, now enter this number blah blah blah"
"Thanks,"
"your welcome"
Absolutely no hassle, they didn't even ask me if I was installing it on a different computer (she cut me off of my explanation). So don't sweat it.

I suppose that's easy enough, but I actually consider having to call in the first place to be a hassle.

We should be able to just install as many times as we like, as we did in the past.

 

[tigersty1e]

Hmmm.

I bought the retail copy of Vista with the expectation of never calling.

If I do a fresh install, does this mean I have to call them? (yes, I know they'll activate, but it's still a pain)

Is there some unmentioned limit?

 

[bsobel]

If I do a fresh install, does this mean I have to call them? (yes, I know they'll activate, but it's still a pain)

Depends, if its been more than 4 months (at least it was 120 last I checked) since your last install, it will be automatic. If more often than that you may need to call. The end result is the vast majority of users never call, some who rebuild activate and then rebuild may run into issues. I'd recommend using the 30 grace period before activating to ensure your stable then activate.

Bill

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: thegorx
The way activatation is setup is a total pain in the ass
it totally stupid, first you go online and you get the no go and a phone number to call then you get a computer on the phone .... a computer asking you the huge number that windows has now given you and then the computer tells you no and you wait for someone to answer the phone, some rare times a lot more than a few minutes... then gues what ... yup they ask for the number again as if their computer could have passed that information on to them in the first place. Then you get an equally large number to basically unlock your system. That is the best microsoft can come up with ... what's the real reason for this, it can't be that stupid for no reason.


Anyway before you do anything with your computer back it up. Hardware or even driver changes can set off activation.

when you make the phone call, you can bypass the computer requesting info by pressing 5 i believe. it's been a while but when i was working for a shop i was shown that trick. worked everytime.

 

[Doom Machine]

or just mumble so the computer cant understand you till it puts you to the person. works everytime garuanteed.

 

[thegorx]

yes, popular phrases to confuse a computer

"Logic is a flower that smells ... bad"

"Heard any good jokes lately ?"

Or

"Take me to your leader"

But be warned customer service may get angry
I was told to stop teasing the computer

 

[thegorx]

Originally posted by: jpbelauskas

Originally posted by: thegorx
The way activatation is setup is a total pain in the ass
it totally stupid, first you go online and you get the no go and a phone number to call then you get a computer on the phone .... a computer asking you the huge number that windows has now given you and then the computer tells you no and you wait for someone to answer the phone, some rare times a lot more than a few minutes... then gues what ... yup they ask for the number again as if their computer could have passed that information on to them in the first place. Then you get an equally large number to basically unlock your system. That is the best microsoft can come up with ... what's the real reason for this, it can't be that stupid for no reason.


Anyway before you do anything with your computer back it up. Hardware or even driver changes can set off activation.

when you make the phone call, you can bypass the computer requesting info by pressing 5 i believe. it's been a while but when i was working for a shop i was shown that trick. worked everytime.

Yeah, I tried that, and the computer said
"What are you doing Dave ?
Did you just press 5 Dave ?
Good bye Dave

And hung up

 

[thegorx]

Originally posted by: Doom Machine
or just mumble so the computer cant understand you till it puts you to the person. works everytime garuanteed.

I tried the too, I mumbled

damn freakin computers

And the computer said.

I heard that !

But really this has given me an idea, from now on I'm using Microsoft's text to speech to read those numbers and turn Micosoft Sam's speed up fast .

 

[Doom Machine]

Originally posted by: thegorx

Originally posted by: Doom Machine
or just mumble so the computer cant understand you till it puts you to the person. works everytime garuanteed.

I tried the too, I mumbled

damn freakin computers

And the computer said.

I heard that !

But really this has given me an idea, from now on I'm using Microsoft's text to speech to read those numbers and turn Micosoft Sam's speed up fast .

lol
if heard a computer voice say that as a response to my mumble's or cursing even...i'd seriously be scared enough to drop to the fetal position and start sucking on my thumb.