Vista 32bit Valiation

[Mwing]

I changed mobo, install a OEM version of Vista 32bit, I expected I had to call mircosoft to re-activate it but no need, I just input the registration code and it worked.

So OEM = retail version now?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Mwing
So OEM = retail version now?

That's a bit of a far-reaching conclusion.

With XP, Microsoft used to have a set time period where they'd erase previous Activation requests from their database. The idea was to prevent mass-activations using the same Key, but allowing users to re-Activate periodically without question. I don't know what the practice is with Vista. MS seems to be more tight-lipped about such things nowadays.

 

[Mwing]

But in january, I changed mobo (another copy of vista and another build of computer) and inputed the key and then once vista finished installation i click validate and it detect i had changed mobo and said that key didnt work instantly.

So, i dunno what happened here or just luck?

 

[hans030390]

Originally posted by: Mwing
But in january, I changed mobo (another copy of vista and another build of computer) and inputed the key and then once vista finished installation i click validate and it detect i had changed mobo and said that key didnt work instantly.

So, i dunno what happened here or just luck?

They're coming for you as we speak, so don't get too happy.

 

[Cogman]

With XP it was something like a 3 strike system. After activating 3 times (I believe) you would have to call in to get your computer activated in the future. I don't think MS clears the activation thing after so many months because I've been using my version of XP home on my continually updated computer for well over 4 years now. (and each time I upgrade and have to re-install I have to call in)

 

[n7]

Feel lucky, punk?

You just got lucky from what i've seen.

Originally posted by: hans030390
They're coming for you as we speak, so don't get too happy.

BRBFBI

 

[bucwylde23]

well my activation issue didn't come till about 2 weeks to a month after I installed my oem copy (don't recall exactly how much time). So you might still get prompted..

 

[Mwing]

Yup, thats what I have expected, but I was wondering why the first time came when windows booted up right after the installation and this time Im waiting for them to come after me, any news about MS laying off employees recently?

 

[Mwing]

Update: For those who still care, the Vista is still activated.

 

[nerp]

Originally posted by: Mwing
Update: For those who still care, the Vista is still activated.

Not surprised. MS is actually quite lenient with activations. If they weren't, you'd probably see a huge number of activation complaint threads.

 

[GregMal]

About a month ago I added a Wireless PCI card to my Vista PC. To make a long story short, it didn't work out and I removed it a ran a cat6 cable to the Vista PC. About 27 days later I was surfing the net and by chance checked the properties of the PC and low and behold it said my Vista OS was not activated? I had rec'd no notices or popups but it said that I had 3 days left to activate!!! Now I've had this system running for over 6 mos but a simple PCI card made me re-activate. Seems a little extreme...

 

[Aberforth]

Originally posted by: Mwing
I changed mobo, install a OEM version of Vista 32bit, I expected I had to call mircosoft to re-activate it but no need, I just input the registration code and it worked.

So OEM = retail version now?

no way in the hell....maybe you are using the board from the same manufacturer. I heard the retail versions don't check for validation if you have a vista pc unchanged for year or so.

Edit: I read somewhere MS blacklists OEM from keys time to time. So maybe you just have to wait for your turn.

 

[nerp]

The activation data likely was cleared out so it worked. I've seen this happen before.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: Mwing
Update: For those who still care, the Vista is still activated.

As someone mentioned, XP and Vista will activate online a limited number of times before a call to Microsoft is required. For XP, the number was three, except for initial activations using product keys issued to Royalty OEMs. Microsoft blocked initial online activation for all Royalty OEM product keys starting in 2005, since OEM machines normally shouldn't require activation. After any requisite calls to activation support, they can reset the online activation count to give another three (or whatever) number of online activations (or not).