WinXP weird activation problem...

[Trevelyan]

Okay so I get home today and shut down my computer and install my new Linksys NIC (replacing the onboard one) and my computer freezes when it starts up... I eventually get it to load and then I get an activation error:

"According to our records, the number of times you can activate Windows with this product key has been exceeded. Please enter a different product key, and then click Retry. The 25-digit product key should be located on the back of the Windows XP CD folder on a sticker that looks similar to this."

Now, before you ask YES THIS IS A LEGAL VERSION... I got it for about $50 from the Hot Deals forum. It's WindowsXP Professional, and I've never used my CD key on any computer but my own, so I don't know HOW this could've happened.

So, what do I need to do to fix this? It says I have 3 days to activate...

 

[jhites]

This came up for me also. There is a limit to how many new devices you
can install before reactivation comes up.

Just use the activation and select the call Microsoft for activation
instead of the internet activation.

There will be a code # you will need to read to them and they
will give you another code to enter. They also ask why?
No big deal. Just more of Microsoft crap.

 

[Trevelyan]

Ok thanks a lot jhites! I just called and they didn't even ask me any questions, they just gave me teh confirmation ID...

I was all worried too because I left my CDs at my friends house awhlie ago, and I thought he might've used my product key... The activation made it sound like my Windows was expired and it offered me the chance to buy a new copy... what a load of BS.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

A NIC card change will trigger the re-activate BS every time..Much more so than even doing a full mobo, proc, ram swap.

Now, before you ask YES THIS IS A LEGAL VERSION... I got it for about $50 from the Hot Deals forum.

Was it new and sealed when you got it? What concerns me is that if it was opened before you got it, makes you wonder how many times had it been activated before you got it. If it was sealed and new, then nevermind..

 

[Trevelyan]

Originally posted by: GonzoDaGr8
A NIC card change will trigger the re-activate BS every time..Much more so than even doing a full mobo, proc, ram swap.

Now, before you ask YES THIS IS A LEGAL VERSION... I got it for about $50 from the Hot Deals forum.

Was it new and sealed when you got it? What concerns me is that if it was opened before you got it, makes you wonder how many times had it been activated before you got it. If it was sealed and new, then nevermind..

Yeah it was new and sealed when I got it.. directly from Microsoft.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

Originally posted by: Trevelyan

Originally posted by: GonzoDaGr8
A NIC card change will trigger the re-activate BS every time..Much more so than even doing a full mobo, proc, ram swap.

Now, before you ask YES THIS IS A LEGAL VERSION... I got it for about $50 from the Hot Deals forum.

Was it new and sealed when you got it? What concerns me is that if it was opened before you got it, makes you wonder how many times had it been activated before you got it. If it was sealed and new, then nevermind..

Yeah it was new and sealed when I got it.. directly from Microsoft.

Good.. In that case, it was the old "Change a NIC and re-activate" BS.