• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Too many Windows activations?

T

Tachion

Member
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.
 
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?
Click to expand...

100%

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

The chances, as someone else said, 100%.
Bill
 
🙂 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...

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

 
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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?
 
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)
Click to expand...

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
 
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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
 
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.
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...

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

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 .
 
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.
Click to expand...

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 .
Click to expand...

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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top