activating windows

[Sang]

i want to reformat my c drive but i'm scared i can't
activate windows because i have alrdy reformated my
computer like 2-3 time in the past and i've also got it
activated on my brothers computer and when i tryed to
instaal it on my laptop and then activate it, it wouldn't
let me....
so nows i needing to reformat my computer that has
windows alrdy activated on it what do i do can i go
throught with it?

 

[Bob I]

Go buy another copy.

 

[Sang]

how many times can windows be activated??

-----Original Message-----
Go buy another copy.


.

 

[Plato]

how many times can windows be activated??

As far as I understand as many times as you need to assuming it's the
same PC.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

As far as I understand as many times as you need to assuming it's the
same PC.

You can do so as many times as you need to, even if it's *not*
the same PC (as long as it's a retail version, not an OEM
version; the OEM version can *not* be moved to another computer).

 

[Alias]

You can do so as many times as you need to, even if it's *not*
the same PC (as long as it's a retail version, not an OEM
version; the OEM version can *not* be moved to another computer).

Ah, but what constitutes a "another computer"? If you have an OEM that isn't
tied to any hardware like I do, it would seem to me that you could upgrade
your MB, HD, Processor, RAM and leave the case and floppy disk and still
have the "same computer", couldn't you? After all, the little sticker I got
says to stick it on the case so does changing the case make it a "another
computer" and how would the OS or MS know that? Not to mention the fact that
after 120 days, the slate is cleaned and new hardware can be used and
"activated". I really think MS bit off a little more than they can chew with
this activation thing and it hasn't done much for customer relations.

Alias

 

[Sang]

So you are saying it's ok as long as it's on the same pc?
can i get this comfirmed because i dun wanna reformat and
then dun have windows. :s

OEM version what is that?
mine is retail i guess i got from shops and then
installed it my self i dun have the cdkey on the side on
my computer like some do...

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Ah, but what constitutes a "another computer"?

Admittedly a very gray area. Microsoft has never clarified what
constitutes "another computer," and my guess is that it's not in
their interest to do so and they don't want to.

If you have an OEM
that isn't tied to any hardware like I do, it would seem to me that
you could upgrade your MB, HD, Processor, RAM and leave the case and
floppy disk and still have the "same computer", couldn't you? After
all, the little sticker I got says to stick it on the case so does
changing the case make it a "another computer"

I've often posted here, suggesting that that position could
possibly defended in court, if it ever came to that.

and how would the OS
or MS know that?

But that's a different question. What's required and whether they
can or can't catch you are two different questions. If you drive
through a red light at a deserted intersection at 3 o'clock in
the morning and there's nobody there to see you do it, that
doesn't change the fact that what you did is against the law.
Being able to get away with something doesn't make it OK to do.

Not to mention the fact that after 120 days, the
slate is cleaned and new hardware can be used and "activated".

Same answer. Just because there's a way to get around a
requirement doesn't legitimize it.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

There's no limit to the number of times you can reinstall and
activate the same WinXP license on the same PC. Nor is there ever a
charge. If it's been more than 120 days since you last activated
that specific Product Key, you'll most likely be able to activate via
the Internet without problem. If it's been less, you might have to
make a 5 minute phone call.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Ah, but what constitutes a "another computer"? If you have an OEM that isn't
tied to any hardware like I do,

NO SUCH THING! In fact, the very concept is an oxymoron.



Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[Alias]

Greetings --



NO SUCH THING! In fact, the very concept is an oxymoron.

Bullshit, Bruce. I have one. I can get you one in three different languages,
English, German and Spanish from an MS authorised dealer. I called MS's
activation center not once, nor twice but three times and three different
operators told me the hardware tie-in was abandoned about three months ago.
Please check your facts before calling someone a liar on the open Internet.
With the hardware free OEMs, you don't get a box but you do get a little
brochure FROM MICROSOFT that tells you how to install XP and the warranty. I
also got a little sticker to put on my case with the Product Key.

Note I said I called them so don't do like Jupiter and demand a web site for
proof. If you want proof, pick up your phone.

Alias

 

[Tom]

So you are saying it's ok as long as it's on the same pc?
can i get this comfirmed because i dun wanna reformat and
then dun have windows. :s

OEM version what is that?
mine is retail i guess i got from shops and then
installed it my self i dun have the cdkey on the side on
my computer like some do...

Yours is retail as you so described, as the Product Key is inside the box in which your XP disk came. OEMs that give the installation disk with built PCs, place the Product Key sticker on the side of the PC. OEMs, by gray area interpretations, are tied to the first PC on which they are installed, and forever tied to that PC. Since yours is retail (as you will not have the abitiy to place the sticker on the side of your PC, and don't peel off the bright orange number contained in your box to do so) you can use it on any other PC you so wish, as long as it is not being used on another PC. Simply said, it can be used on ONLY one PC at any one time.

 

[Greg R]

Bruce. I have one. I can get you one in three different languages,

English, German and Spanish from an MS authorised dealer. I called MS's
activation center not once, nor twice but three times and three different
operators told me the hardware tie-in was abandoned about three months ago.

Alias,
How many times did Kurttrail & others get different information each
time they called? Hmm? You may have got three people who didn’t
know any better.

If that was the case Microsoft would of released a public statement
on their website about-the hardware tie-in was abandoned about three
months ago and the xp oem would be able to transferred to a new
machine.

If this is also the case. People could also use the windows 98 oem
that didn't come with hardware or a coa. Or Just buy a coa and be
legal.

Just wait and see if your able to install xp sp2, when it comes out.


Greg R

 

[Alias]

ago.

Alias,
How many times did Kurttrail & others get different information each
time they called? Hmm? You may have got three people who didn't
know any better.

Why don't *you* call and find out instead of speculating?

If that was the case Microsoft would of released a public statement
on their website about-the hardware tie-in was abandoned about three
months ago and the xp oem would be able to transferred to a new
machine.

If this is also the case. People could also use the windows 98 oem
that didn't come with hardware or a coa. Or Just buy a coa and be
legal.

Just wait and see if your able to install xp sp2, when it comes out.


Greg R

Another idiot who won't call activation to find out if it's true. If
activation doesn't know -- as you suggest -- who does? After all, they make
those decisions, don't they? I have since spoken with my wholesaler and they
assure me that the EULA they have permits them to sell OEMs WITHOUT ANY
HARDWARE! A friend of mine has another one, in Spanish, that activated with
no problem. He bought NO HARDWARE when he bought it. How do you explain
that, your snide uninformed comment about SP2 notwithstanding?

So, I have three activation agents from Microsoft and my wholesaler all
saying the same thing. What do you have? An uninformed opinion that you post
as fact.

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

When is it going to sink in that _no one_ believes you? Until
you're willing to offer real evidence and/or documentation, you might
as well stop making such foolish claims. For the last time, the
minimum wage call center personnel of the Activation center are
neither qualified nor authorized to make such a determination. Until
you can provide a link to an official statement from Microsoft's Legal
Department or Public Relations department, you will have absolutely no
credence.


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[Alias]

Greetings --

When is it going to sink in that _no one_ believes you?

No one believe Galileo either but that didn't make the world the center of
the solar system, now did it?

Until
you're willing to offer real evidence and/or documentation, you might
as well stop making such foolish claims. For the last time, the
minimum wage call center personnel of the Activation center are
neither qualified nor authorized to make such a determination. Until
you can provide a link to an official statement from Microsoft's Legal
Department or Public Relations department, you will have absolutely no
credence.


Bruce Chambers

Um, the activation center does what? Activate OEM and retail versions, per
chance? I don't care if you believe me or not, Bruce. Why is it that you
can't make a phone call to confirm what I say? Are you too cheap or can't
you afford the call? If so, use Dial Pad.

Alias

 

[CS]

On Sat, 31 Jul 2004 17:06:06 +0200, "Alias"

Alias:

You're wasting your time replying to Bruce Chambers. He's an MS
apologist who tends to believe only what he wishes. You could have a
written statement in your hand from Bill Gates himself stating the new
policy and he wouldn't believe you. He's absolutely worthless to this
forum as many of us have found out over time.

Just place him in your kill filter and move on. I already have
several so called MVPs in my kill filter..... BTW, I believe your
statements to be valid. It seems to me MS should have abandoned the
OEM hardware policy long ago. It's about time they did.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

So you are saying it's ok as long as it's on the same pc?

I'm saying that it's *always* OK if it's the same PC. It's also
OK to move it to another PC, as long as it's not an OEM copy.

can i get this comfirmed because i dun wanna reformat and
then dun have windows. :s

Yes.


OEM version what is that?

"OEM" stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer." There are
two kinds of OEM versions: those that come preinstalled on
computers (which are often customized for the particular
computer), and those that are complete generic copies, but which
can't be sold without accompanying hardware (although these days,
almost any hardware, even a power cord, will do).

Although if you get a complete generic OEM version, it contains
the same software, it is cheaper than a Full retail version
(roughly around the same price as an upgrade version) because it
has the following disadvantages as compared with the retail
version:

1. Its license ties it permanently to the first computer it's
installed on. It can never legally be moved to another computer,
sold, or given away.

2. It can only do a clean installation, not an upgrade.

3. Microsoft provides no support for OEM versions. You can't call
them with a problem, but instead have to get any needed support
from your OEM; that support may range anywhere between good and
non-existent. Or you can get support elsewhere, such as in these
newsgroups.

mine is retail i guess i got from shops and then
installed it my self i dun have the cdkey on the side on
my computer like some do...

Right-click on My Computer on choose Properties. You will see the
Product-ID there (not the Product Key). If that includes the
letters "OEM," you have an OEM version. If so, you can still
reinstall it on the same PC, you just can't move it to another.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Why is it that anyone who calls someone's bluff about bogus
interpretations to Microsoft licensing is a Microsoft apologist? All
I have asked Alias to do is provide some sort of verifiable
documentation or evidence to support his claim. He continues to
refuse to make _any_ attempt to do so. All he has to do, for crying
out loud, is post a complete, unedited copy of his EULA, or point to
an official Microsoft statement. Instead, he offers only a hearsay
statement from people who aren't even in a position to know the true
situation.

Or, how about this? Let Alias provide the name of his legitimate
vendor, and we'll ask Microsoft to check them out. Any bets on
whether or not he's willing to step up and provide the info?


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[Alias]

Greetings --

Why is it that anyone who calls someone's bluff about bogus
interpretations to Microsoft licensing is a Microsoft apologist?

What bluff? They aren't bogus.

All
I have asked Alias to do is provide some sort of verifiable
documentation or evidence to support his claim. He continues to
refuse to make _any_ attempt to do so.

Not so. Make the phone call. Want the number again or are you capable of
finding my earlier post with the numbers.

All he has to do, for crying
out loud, is post a complete, unedited copy of his EULA, or point to
an official Microsoft statement. Instead, he offers only a hearsay
statement from people who aren't even in a position to know the true
situation.

Why won't you call them?

Or, how about this? Let Alias provide the name of his legitimate
vendor, and we'll ask Microsoft to check them out. Any bets on
whether or not he's willing to step up and provide the info?


Bruce Chambers

Since when do you decide what proof is or isn't? I CALLED MICROSOFT. You
didn't. All you have done is trot out your obviously uninformed broken
record.

Alias