windows xp activation?

[NeoMadHatter]

i have a copy of windows xp that is currently installed in my desktop computer. i no longer use that computer so i'm going to install my windows2k3 server demo on it and play with that for a little bit and put linux on it so i can try that out. i want to install the windows xp pro that i have on my Dell laptop. is microsoft going to go crazy when i activate the operating system on my laptop? is there something i have to do to do this in a correct manner?

 

[Schadenfroh]

yes they will. they will probably think you are trying to install it on multiple computers and wont trust that you removed the old one. you could always threaten to switch to linux and openoffice, but i doubt that will work. in short 2k pwnz j00

 

[ivwshane]

You will have to call them to activate it, when you do just tell them that you put it on a new system and removed it from the old one.

 

[Wintermute76]

never mind, was thinking of something else

 

[moonshinemadness]

Ive reinstalled XP Pro on the same machin several times and Microsoft never bothered until i re activated last time (Like the 5th time) and i had to ring up and get a new code, that went it fine, im guessing it will be the same with you because ive often installed it on a 'new' computer, as in none of the original parts after an upgrade and they havent bothered...

 

[DamageInc]

You'll most likely have to call them and tell them of your situation. As long as you're honest with them, it will be no problem.

 

[Nothinman]

As long as you're honest with them, it will be no problem.

How can they tell the difference?

 

[Codewiz]

Originally posted by: Nothinman

As long as you're honest with them, it will be no problem.

How can they tell the difference?

They can't but activation was never meant to eliminate software piracy. It was meant to reduce it. If he calls to explain the situation, they will most likely work with him

 

[Nothinman]

They can't but activation was never meant to eliminate software piracy. It was meant to reduce it. If he calls to explain the situation, they will most likely work with him

I realize that, what I meant is what happens when they decide they don't believe you?

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Nothinman

They can't but activation was never meant to eliminate software piracy. It was meant to reduce it. If he calls to explain the situation, they will most likely work with him

I realize that, what I meant is what happens when they decide they don't believe you?

you tell microsoft to suck it and that you are switching to linux

 

[EeyoreX]

is microsoft going to go crazy when i activate the operating system on my laptop?

Ah... Windows XP activation FUD. One of my personal favorites.

No. Microsoftwill not go crazy. You probably will not have to call them at all. It will probably go down like this; You format or upgrade with your Windows XP CD. Windows XP is installed and happily working. You get reminded to activate, but you decide to wait a couple days (I do) to be sure all your hardware is playing nice with Windows XP. Finally you get your updates and decide your computer is working great. You are now ready to activate Windows XP with Microsoft. You either A) have not activated online 3 times within the last 90 days or B) You have activated online 3 or more times in the last 90 days. If A) you will activate via the online wizard and you will succeed and go merrily on your way using Windows XP, happy as can be. Or, B) you will actually have to call Microsoft and tell them you are installing on a laptop, spend the two minutes reading numbers to the MS support person, having them read a bunch of numbers to you, your activation will succeed and you will go merrily on your way using Windows XP, happy as can be.

I am betting on option A and that you won't even have to look at the phone and think of Microsofts activation 800 number.

\Dan

 

[NeoMadHatter]

Originally posted by: EeyoreX

is microsoft going to go crazy when i activate the operating system on my laptop?

Ah... Windows XP activation FUD. One of my personal favorites.

No. Microsoftwill not go crazy. You probably will not have to call them at all. It will probably go down like this; You format or upgrade with your Windows XP CD. Windows XP is installed and happily working. You get reminded to activate, but you decide to wait a couple days (I do) to be sure all your hardware is playing nice with Windows XP. Finally you get your updates and decide your computer is working great. You are now ready to activate Windows XP with Microsoft. You either A) have not activated online 3 times within the last 90 days or B) You have activated online 3 or more times in the last 90 days. If A) you will activate via the online wizard and you will succeed and go merrily on your way using Windows XP, happy as can be. Or, B) you will actually have to call Microsoft and tell them you are installing on a laptop, spend the two minutes reading numbers to the MS support person, having them read a bunch of numbers to you, your activation will succeed and you will go merrily on your way using Windows XP, happy as can be.

I am betting on option A and that you won't even have to look at the phone and think of Microsofts activation 800 number.

\Dan

that's going to be nice. i'd like to go merrily on my way and be as happy as can be. going to do this install this coming weekend.

 

[StraightPipe]

EeyoreX, is there anyway they can see it's on a new IP?

 

[Nothinman]

EeyoreX, is there anyway they can see it's on a new IP?

Of course, every connection over a network requires the other end knows your IP. But it's irrelevant, enough people are on DHCP or dialup that an IP would never be used for tracking, unless they wanted to use it to have your ISP tell them who you are because they were investigating the legality of your XP install.

 

[EeyoreX]

I am sure if they wanted to they could see your IP. But, as nothingman said, this is such a poor way to track users I seriously doubt they even bother. Windows XP installs are monitored by the key. Each copy of Windows comes with a 25 digit/letter key that you need to use when you install. When you register with that key Microsoft will be able to keep track of how many times that key is used. This is how the big leaked key (whatever it is) is able to be "blacklisted" from Windows updates. They know you by product key, not by IP or hardware in your machine or anything sinister.

\Dan