XP Pro OEM - Never Activated

[Diogenes2]

I'm curious if anyone else has experienced something like this ..

I have a copy of XP Pro OEM SP2 - that I purchased from Newegg a couple of years ago ..

I have installed it countless times on one of my computers - due to the endless hardware changes I find myself making ..

I have never been prompted to activate the install ..

I never gave it much thought until I recently purchased another copy ( to set up a computer for an associate ) and I was immediately prompted to complete activation ..

Just wondering what it might be about the other copy that doesn't seem to require activation ..

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Did you use a VLK before?

 

[Diogenes2]

What's VLK ?

P.S.

O.K., I Googled VLK ...

Nope, never knowingly used a Volume license key ...

 

[RebateMonger]

I've never heard of that behavior. I've installed quite a few copies of both "generic" OEM and Retail XP and it's never happened before.

The only XP that exhibits this behavior is "branded" OEM software (Dell, HP, etc.). When you install those versions on the appropriate computer (Dell, HP, etc.), they'll NEVER ask to be Activated.

 

[Diogenes2]

I've probably installed this on at least a half dozen different mobo's .... Including the one I'm on, just today -- ( new Asus P5Q ) ---...

I'm reluctant to dig too deep - might get shut down .. ( LOL )

 

[Net]

your lucky. i bought a graphics card and after reinstalling windows it won't activate anymore.

 

[nerp]

Originally posted by: net
your lucky. i bought a graphics card and after reinstalling windows it won't activate anymore.

Did you bother calling the # on your screen and doing the telephone activation? They WILL activate it for you.

 

[Net]

I know. I just have to find a time when I am home and they are still open.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: net
I know. I just have to find a time when I am home and they are still open.

India is always open for business.

 

[Diogenes2]

Just another note ..
In another thread - someone pointed to this tool: SIW

Lots of good info with that one -- It tells me my Activation Status is Activated ..

I just wonder why it is activated by default - and regardless of what changes I make ...

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Diogenes2
Just another note ..
In another thread - someone pointed to this tool: SIW
Lots of good info with that one -- It tells me my Activation Status is Activated ..

Run SIW and go to the top-most "Operating System" section. Look at what it says about "License Status". It should tell you if it's OEM, Retail, or VLK, and maybe something else useful.