Ughhh!
I really don't want to circumvent the activation, call me prude.
I already tried a repair and a reinstall overtop.
I just don't have the time for a clean reinstillation. I use so much software that have so many patches, and so much stuff to back up that we're talking many man hours (I'm not real good at automation and shortcuts).
Besides I'm really pissed about having legit software and doing the right thing and getting screwed and then having M$ blame me. Their patch is fine, I must have something in conflict (duh.) as if I'm tainted or obviously trying to do something illeagle. That seemed to be the CS guys tone...
BTW regarding "cricumventing" the activation.
If you think a big software company like M$ with huge resources for testing scrwed things up with their "patch" what do you think about some "Hack" designed by whoknowswho for goshknowswhat? I mean you think that would be SAFE? Not to mention that SP2 hasn't been out long for any kind of reliable crack or whatever. Thats not even to touch the leagality issues, which despite my hatred of M$ I do take seriously.
Count me outta that world o' pain.
Thanks for the insights though, and if anyone comes up with anything... I'll of course do the same. Didn't make it home from work by 6 today, so I'll have to try tomorrow.
OM