Activating Windows, Re-activating.

[Confused.]

Some time ago, probably about 2 years ago, in fact, i
built myself a computer. No problems there, activated
windows and was happy...

Couple of weeks ago i decided to upgrade my computer
hardware, thinking it would be no big deal as i already
built one computer. I get my parts and put it together,
turn it on and am asked to activate windows. No problem, i
click it does it, whatever... or so i thought. I get many
errors with my hardware after that, and basically take the
computer apart and change things around and try again, and
again, and again... Each time i was problem to re-
activate, and i had no objections... However, after a few
times i could no longer activate my windows XP. Now that i
finally got my hardware to act nicely with each other (had
to remove and replace ram / mobo...) i cannot use windows
on it, as re-activating it is blocked.

Why would my original computer, which was just upgraded,
no longer be allowed to use windows? Sounds like a stupid
thing to do to a customer, if you ask me. I would like to
get my windows activated... but i will not buy a new code
just because i upgraded my hardware. Search for the old
computer or something, no other computers have activated
under my code, nor does the "old" computer exist anymore
(the old hard drive is now the "new" computers hard drive,
the mobo/video card/ram and processor of the old computer
are sitting in my closet, rest stayed in the case and
became the new computer as well).

How can i re-activate my windows?

PS I also cannot send a email to customer support or
whatever (that is a excercise in futility to find anyway)
because my windows XP copy is OEM (bought windows XP from
newegg.com)... so asking here is my only hope.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Q. "Why would my original computer, which was just upgraded,
no longer be allowed to use windows?"

A. "...because my Windows XP copy is OEM..."

I believe you answered your own question. Read the following:

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

Windows Product Activation (WPA) on Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Alex Nichol]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Some time ago, probably about 2 years ago, in fact, i
| built myself a computer. No problems there, activated
| windows and was happy...
|
| Couple of weeks ago i decided to upgrade my computer
| hardware, thinking it would be no big deal as i already
| built one computer. I get my parts and put it together,
| turn it on and am asked to activate windows. No problem, i
| click it does it, whatever... or so i thought. I get many
| errors with my hardware after that, and basically take the
| computer apart and change things around and try again, and
| again, and again... Each time i was problem to re-
| activate, and i had no objections... However, after a few
| times i could no longer activate my windows XP. Now that i
| finally got my hardware to act nicely with each other (had
| to remove and replace ram / mobo...) i cannot use windows
| on it, as re-activating it is blocked.
|
| Why would my original computer, which was just upgraded,
| no longer be allowed to use windows? Sounds like a stupid
| thing to do to a customer, if you ask me. I would like to
| get my windows activated... but i will not buy a new code
| just because i upgraded my hardware. Search for the old
| computer or something, no other computers have activated
| under my code, nor does the "old" computer exist anymore
| (the old hard drive is now the "new" computers hard drive,
| the mobo/video card/ram and processor of the old computer
| are sitting in my closet, rest stayed in the case and
| became the new computer as well).
|
| How can i re-activate my windows?
|
| PS I also cannot send a email to customer support or
| whatever (that is a excercise in futility to find anyway)
| because my windows XP copy is OEM (bought windows XP from
| newegg.com)... so asking here is my only hope.

 

[Confused.]

But in that case the original configuration (2 cent led
cable) has not changed at all... It is just as it was...

Guess i better figure out how to use Linux... or call
microsoft... eh, Linux is probably easier.

-----Original Message-----
Q. "Why would my original computer, which was just upgraded,
no longer be allowed to use windows?"

A. "...because my Windows XP copy is OEM..."

I believe you answered your own question. Read the following:

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

Windows Product Activation (WPA) on Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Alex Nichol]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.a spx

----------------------------------------------------------

----------------

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You saved a little money by purchasing an OEM version
of Windows XP. You also sacrificed the flexibility to use
the OEM version after making a major hardware change,
such as installing a different motherboard. In the future,
purchase a "Retail Version" of Windows XP if you anticipate
making major hardware changes.

In order to activate your current Windows XP installation,
you can order another OEM version of Windows XP
from NewEgg.com, then change the Product Key to the
new Product Key.

How To Change the Product Key at the Time of Activation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810892&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| But in that case the original configuration (2 cent led
| cable) has not changed at all... It is just as it was...
|
| Guess i better figure out how to use Linux... or call
| microsoft... eh, Linux is probably easier.

 

[Al Smith]

Why would my original computer, which was just upgraded,

no longer be allowed to use windows? Sounds like a stupid
thing to do to a customer, if you ask me.

That is product activation in a nutshell. The high priests of
Microsoft believe that they have ascended to god status, and no
longer must attend to the needs of their customers.

 

[Al Smith]

You saved a little money by purchasing an OEM version

of Windows XP. You also sacrificed the flexibility to use
the OEM version after making a major hardware change,
such as installing a different motherboard. In the future,
purchase a "Retail Version" of Windows XP if you anticipate
making major hardware changes.

In order to activate your current Windows XP installation,
you can order another OEM version of Windows XP
from NewEgg.com, then change the Product Key to the
new Product Key.

Am I the only one pissed off on this poor guy's behalf? He
upgraded his motherboard, for crying out loud, and now he can't
use the retail copy of Windows XP that he bought and paid for. I
don't care what the EULA says, this is unfair. When you go to buy
OEM versions of Windows, there is not warning that you can't
upgrade your computer or they will cease to work -- if there was
such a warning, nobody with sense would buy them. Or they would do
what this guy should do -- download a hack that lets him run his
copy of Windows XP without having to ask Microsoft for a damned thing.

 

[jt3]

No, I'm sure there are is a lot of people who feel the same way--there
just isn't much hope in fighting the 10-ton gorilla that holds all the
cards. I haven't yet tried to upgrade so I'm not in the same position as he
is, though I *may* be when I add a new hd and transfer my system to it--who
can say for sure?
It goes without saying that all the MVPs are going to take the same
attitude as expressed earlier towards activation, since they are in an
invidious position should they express feelings otherwise, but it's also
true that they are well-imbued with the ins and outs of MS policy, having
worked as intimately with it as they have, and it naturally seems reasonable
to say, 'Well what did you expect, to get something for free?'
Fact is, I had little understanding of what I was committing myself to
when I purchased my OEM copy, since so much of MS policy on such things has
long been strangely inconsistent--why sell an OEM license to non-OEM
customers if they don't intend to allow them the same freedoms they allow
the OEM--namely to set their own upgrade policies?
Naively, I merely thought that I was buying a copy that differed from
'retail' in not being entitled to MS no-charge support, similarly to the W98
situation with which I was familiar. Now they may indeed say that it is
only on one machine, but heretofore, I had always assumed that I was in
compliance if I simply transferred the OS to my new machine, while getting
rid of the old one.
Anyhow, this is all nugatory, since they are the ones calling the tune.

Joe

 

[Al Smith]

Naively, I merely thought that I was buying a copy that differed from

'retail' in not being entitled to MS no-charge support, similarly to the W98
situation with which I was familiar. Now they may indeed say that it is
only on one machine, but heretofore, I had always assumed that I was in
compliance if I simply transferred the OS to my new machine, while getting
rid of the old one.
Anyhow, this is all nugatory, since they are the ones calling the tune.

Joe

They are the ones calling the tune for those who play by their
rules. They haven't yet succeeded in mechanically compelling
everyone who uses Windows to do exactly what they command. Yet.

 

[Alex Nichol]

However, after a few
times i could no longer activate my windows XP. Now that i
finally got my hardware to act nicely with each other (had
to remove and replace ram / mobo...) i cannot use windows
on it, as re-activating it is blocked.

It is not at all clear what you have been doing in the process, but if
activation does get in a tangle, do an activation by phone, which is not
that difficult, and which you can do over on entirely different hardware
as long as it is not one of the OEM systems, and you can honestly say it
is not on any other machine

 

[Ron Martell]

Am I the only one pissed off on this poor guy's behalf? He
upgraded his motherboard, for crying out loud, and now he can't
use the retail copy of Windows XP that he bought and paid for. I
don't care what the EULA says, this is unfair. When you go to buy
OEM versions of Windows, there is not warning that you can't
upgrade your computer or they will cease to work -- if there was
such a warning, nobody with sense would buy them. Or they would do
what this guy should do -- download a hack that lets him run his
copy of Windows XP without having to ask Microsoft for a damned thing.

Actually there is such a warning. It is contained in the End User
License Agreement which you are supposed to read and which you must
agree to as part of the Windows installation process.

And when you agree to something you are expected to comply with that
agreement.

MVPs are volunteers, whose primary objective is to help users solve
their problems with various Microsoft products - in this newsgroup
that is with Windows XP.

MVPs have no ability to change the laws regarding how licensing terms
are disclosed to the software purchaser.

MVPs have no ability to change Microsoft's corporate policies or the
licensing terms specified by Microsoft for the sale of their products.

And MVPs, like the majority of people, are basically honest and do not
wish to contravene the laws regarding intellectual property rights
such as software copyrights.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

 

[Al Smith]

Actually there is such a warning. It is contained in the End User

License Agreement which you are supposed to read and which you must
agree to as part of the Windows installation process.

And when you agree to something you are expected to comply with that
agreement.

Honestly, though, how many people actually read the agreement? And
how many decide that no, they don't want to install, after having
bought the software, opened it, and started the install on their
machines? The only time such information would be useful is if it
were posted in big letters right over the display of WinXP in the
retail outlet:

"This is an OEM version of WindowsXP, and cannot be transferred
from one computer to another. Upgrading the computer it has been
installed on makes it ineligible to activate this software."

 

[Ron Martell]

Honestly, though, how many people actually read the agreement? And
how many decide that no, they don't want to install, after having
bought the software, opened it, and started the install on their
machines? The only time such information would be useful is if it
were posted in big letters right over the display of WinXP in the
retail outlet:

"This is an OEM version of WindowsXP, and cannot be transferred
from one computer to another. Upgrading the computer it has been
installed on makes it ineligible to activate this software."

That is something that you and I can agree on. But it is Microsoft
and not me that needs the convincing.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

 

[David Senior [MVP - Most Vulgar Person]]

Just convert your OEM version to full retail version by changing the
settup.ini file (this is a text file on d:\i386) folder of your windows
CD. The changes are:

FROM:
Pid=51882OEM

TO:
51882335

Effctively, I have changed OEM to 335. That is all that is required.
Now create a bootable CD by following the instaructions here:

http://www.petri.co.il/windows_2000_xp_sp_slipstreaming.htm

Read the entire doc and creating a Cd is explained at the bottom/end of
the doc.

Hope this helps.

Some time ago, probably about 2 years ago, in fact, i
built myself a computer. No problems there, activated
windows and was happy...

Couple of weeks ago i decided to upgrade my computer
hardware, thinking it would be no big deal as i already
built one computer. I get my parts and put it together,
turn it on and am asked to activate windows. No problem, i
click it does it, whatever... or so i thought. I get many
errors with my hardware after that, and basically take the
computer apart and change things around and try again, and
again, and again... Each time i was problem to re-
activate, and i had no objections... However, after a few
times i could no longer activate my windows XP. Now that i
finally got my hardware to act nicely with each other (had
to remove and replace ram / mobo...) i cannot use windows
on it, as re-activating it is blocked.

Why would my original computer, which was just upgraded,
no longer be allowed to use windows? Sounds like a stupid
thing to do to a customer, if you ask me. I would like to
get my windows activated... but i will not buy a new code
just because i upgraded my hardware. Search for the old
computer or something, no other computers have activated
under my code, nor does the "old" computer exist anymore
(the old hard drive is now the "new" computers hard drive,
the mobo/video card/ram and processor of the old computer
are sitting in my closet, rest stayed in the case and
became the new computer as well).

How can i re-activate my windows?

PS I also cannot send a email to customer support or
whatever (that is a excercise in futility to find anyway)
because my windows XP copy is OEM (bought windows XP from
newegg.com)... so asking here is my only hope.

--
--
I use non Microsoft products wherever possible which requires no activation.

I use Netscape 7.2 as my default browser which has everything I need for my work.

I believe in good Financial Management!! I do not believe in enriching rich jerks!

 

[Greg R]

Just do a repair install. Tell them you changed the motherboard.
They will give you a new key without any problem.

Carey. You should not have to buy a new software after a Major
Hardware change.

You save more then just a little money when buying an Oem. You save a
lot of money.

Greg R

 

[Guest]

Greg,
Looks like you've been down this road before.
I fried my MOBO and did a transpland and new install. Now I can't activate.
Who, where is the MS POC (phone or email) to get a new number. The MS web
help sucvks swamp water.
Manny

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You'll have to "activate by phone" if you cannot activate
via the internet.

The following Microsoft Knowledge Base Article describes how to do this:

How to activate Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307890&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Looks like you've been down this road before.
| I fried my MOBO and did a transpland and new install. Now I can't activate.
| Who, where is the MS POC (phone or email) to get a new number. The MS web
| help sucvks swamp water.
| Manny

 

[Greg R]

Greg,
Looks like you've been down this road before.
I fried my MOBO and did a transpland and new install. Now I can't activate.
Who, where is the MS POC (phone or email) to get a new number. The MS web
help sucvks swamp water.
Manny

Actual I don't know that number.

Try This first. If you can't activate by the internet. Then it
should pop up a number for you to call.

http://www.angelfire.com/in4/computertips/key.html

Ignore "install sp2 if want you too" Statement

Also, if doing it from safe mode. After changing
WPAEvents reboot normally. Then follow the remaining instructions

Yes you may have to activate

Greg R

 

[Alex Nichol]

Looks like you've been down this road before.
I fried my MOBO and did a transpland and new install. Now I can't activate.
Who, where is the MS POC (phone or email) to get a new number. The MS web
help sucvks swamp water.

Go to
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate Windows

If 'reinstall' means you formatted the hard disk to start over, it may
activate on the net as the first time - certainly if more than 120 days
have passed. If not, because the hardware looks too different
use the option to Activate by telephone. You will be given the Toll
free number to call.

If you did a repair reinstall and at boot the system thinks this is a
different machine, you will have to do it like that by phone, after
booting to Safe mode.

 

[Greg R]

If you did a repair reinstall and at boot the system thinks this is a
different machine, you will have to do it like that by phone, after
booting to Safe mode.

Alex, you cannot activate in safe mode on most systems

It pops up and says. "You cannot activate Windows from safe mode.
Please restart your computer in normal mode to activate.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Alex, you cannot activate in safe mode on most systems

It pops up and says. "You cannot activate Windows from safe mode.
Please restart your computer in normal mode to activate.

You cannot do its autoactivate. You should be able to run the
activation wizard and use 'By Phone'. That is the recognised method
where the system finds at boot that the hardware has changed