K
Kernel
Since the OEM version is 'bios locked' and can not be installed on any other
machine, will it activate automatically if reinstalled in less than 120
days?
machine, will it activate automatically if reinstalled in less than 120
days?
C
Cheng Heng
No. Any software that is required to be activated do not activate
online automatically within 120 days. However, there are always
the exception to the rule. The exception is that if you have used
exactly the same drivers as before then all the details on your
system will be the same as Microsoft database entries and so it
might activate automatically.
I understand Microsoft is not bothered that much with XP
activation because it was flawed from the start and they lost
interest in them. I wouldn't worry about activation these days
because a telephone call always does the job pretty quickly and
efficiently.
Incidentally, there is a misnomer of bios locked OS. It does nor
apply in all the countries. I use DELL branded OS and I can
easily install it on any machine that I build. I am based in the
UK and the OS I have used thus far are Dell Original (SP0), SP1
and SP2 versions as well. I have also used HP's branded OS and
that too installs on my machines. Surprisingly, I also used the
same serial numbers as those that came with DEll or HP machines
and also tried to interchange them and still no problems.
All in all activation on XP systems is becoming a joke so go
ahead, install and enjoy.
hth
online automatically within 120 days. However, there are always
the exception to the rule. The exception is that if you have used
exactly the same drivers as before then all the details on your
system will be the same as Microsoft database entries and so it
might activate automatically.
I understand Microsoft is not bothered that much with XP
activation because it was flawed from the start and they lost
interest in them. I wouldn't worry about activation these days
because a telephone call always does the job pretty quickly and
efficiently.
Incidentally, there is a misnomer of bios locked OS. It does nor
apply in all the countries. I use DELL branded OS and I can
easily install it on any machine that I build. I am based in the
UK and the OS I have used thus far are Dell Original (SP0), SP1
and SP2 versions as well. I have also used HP's branded OS and
that too installs on my machines. Surprisingly, I also used the
same serial numbers as those that came with DEll or HP machines
and also tried to interchange them and still no problems.
All in all activation on XP systems is becoming a joke so go
ahead, install and enjoy.
hth
P
Peter Foldes
Yes,providing you did not add\change any of the hardware . If you did then refer to
the answer by Cheng
--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
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the answer by Cheng
--
Peter
Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect
T
Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
Since the OEM version is 'bios locked' and can not be installed on any other
OEM doesn't mean BIOS locked. OEM can be a customized OS install CD by
a vendor, an OEM CD you bought from a vendor like Newegg (which you
are only allowed to install on 1 PC, ever), or what Dell does to the
"OEM" CD you got when you bought your system: it will only install on
a Dell. I don't think it will automatically install in 120 days. If
you entered a valid install key, it will continue to work but go into
reduced functionality (nag) mode after a period of time. After which
you'll have to activate via Internet or other methods.
- Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
OEM doesn't mean BIOS locked. OEM can be a customized OS install CD by
a vendor, an OEM CD you bought from a vendor like Newegg (which you
are only allowed to install on 1 PC, ever), or what Dell does to the
"OEM" CD you got when you bought your system: it will only install on
a Dell. I don't think it will automatically install in 120 days. If
you entered a valid install key, it will continue to work but go into
reduced functionality (nag) mode after a period of time. After which
you'll have to activate via Internet or other methods.
- Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
K
Kernel
Thee Chicago Wolf said:
I used the phrase often used in this newsgroup regarding OEM
versions...'bios locked'. Never cared much for that phrase myself, but used
it to simplify my query. An advanced google search for 'bios locked' in
this newsgroup brought up 1,910 entries; so I guess it's a rather common
term.
D
Daave
Kernel said:
Not enough information, Kernel.
Which OEM version? (That little tidbit of info would help tremendously!)
If you are referring to certain branded-OEM versions like Dell that have
Sytem-Locked Preactivation integrated into the CD and matching data
hard-coded to the motherboard's CMOS chip, then yes, you could say your
version is BIOS-locked and you would *never* have to activate XP -- no
matter how many times or how often you install it (since it is
automatically in a perpetually pre-activated state).
Otherwise...
P
Patok
Thee said:
How does that work? Or, are you not allowed, but still can?
K
Kernel
Daave said:
XP Pro OEM Version 2002 Part No. X-14-72249. I installed that one in a
laptop. That CD will not install with any product code except the one that
came with it. I tried to use that CD and the product code with an OEM CD
that had a couple of corrupted files...it wouldn't accept any of the codes.
So I talked to Microsoft and they replaced the defective CD.
I have other OEM CDs, and they too will only install with the code that came
with the CD. I'm surprised that Cheng Heng was able to mix up the OEM CDs
and product codes. I installed an OEM CD in the new computer that I built,
and would like to wipe it and make a cleaner installation, but I'm a few
weeks shy of the 120 day magic deadline. I don't care much for trying to
insert 50 digits from an automated female, or talking to employees in India,
and Okinawa, who I can barely understand.
D
Daave
Kernel said:
If this is a generic-OEM installation, there is no BIOS-locked routine
and you would have to reactivate if you don't wait the full 120 days.
If you want to avoid that scenario in the future, simply create an image
of your hard drive once the OS is installed (actually, you should
continue to create incremental images -- but definitely save your early
images!). Then you won't ever have a need to reinstall XP.
K
Kernel
Daave said:
I've been doing that for quite some time, creating an image to avoid
activation. Actually I use a clone, not an image, and can swap
hard drives at will. I have on/off switches to select the desired drive.
But, always seeking perfection, I like to create a new installation of
the OS to tweak one thing or another. So the only way to have the
best of both worlds is to activate and make the clone right after the
XP Bliss screen appears, and that requires all my programs to be
reinstalled; that won't work for me. What I'd prefer is for the world's
richest man to cut me a little slack and back off on the WGA thingie poo...
perhaps do like Pizza Hut, after I've bought five I get the sixth one free
: - )
T
Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
Thee Chicago Wolf said:
It's not to say some sneaky OEM wouldn't do the equivalent of a BIOS
locked OEM install and tie the re-install CD to that method.
- Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
T
Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
Thee said:
Since I've always bought retail installs of my CDs and never an OEM, I
can't say with 100% certainty. You are legally tying that OEM install
to that PC only. Even if you uninstall and wipe the HD you can't
install that OEM license to a new system. You can do this (legally)
with a retail copy. Dig around the MS site to see the difference
between an OEM copy and retail if you feel like it.
- Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]
K
Kernel
Thee Chicago Wolf said:
I too preferred retail versions, but they have become very scarce,
and some cost more than Win 7. Wish I could purchase a retail
product code for a reasonable price.
A
Alias
MS says you *may* not. The reality is that if you wait 120 days, you can
install a generic XP OEM on another computer and it will activate on
line and become genuine.
D
Daave
Kernel said:
This is where mulitple images are superior to one cloned hard drive.
Make an image of the drive immediately after you install the OS and
activate it. Then if you ever want to perform the equivalent of a Clean
Install *any* time and without needing to reactivate, simply restore the
image.
And create other images while you're are it:
- Clean Install plus SP3 and all subsequent security patches
- Clean Install plus SP3 and all subsequent security patches with your
customizations
- Clean Install plus SP3 and all subsequent security patches with your
customizations and with all your programs
Keep these image archives in a safe place. Make copies of them -- hard
drive space is cheap these days.
Advantage: Never a need to reinstall the OS (which means never worrying
again about activating).
J
John Doe
Daave said:
Macrium Reflect is excellent for that. I also include a category/copy
for hardware drivers.
K
Kernel
Alias said:
Well hello Alias, good to see you're still around and kickin!. I've enjoyed
your tidbits for about ten years I'd guess. You are wise beyond your
years...thanks.
K
Kernel
John Doe said:
I'll try Macrium Reflect, looks like it's free. How can it image when the
OS is running? I've used only Drive Image 2002 since, well, 2002, for
cloning (in Caldera DOS).
J
John Doe
Kernel said:
I recall being told that uses something called "shadow copy".
Apparently it works without problems, but I usually take my hands
off the keyboard/mouse when it is copying.
It also compresses the images. I have been using it with an SSD
drive as primary for over a year. I even used it to move to a new
motherboard and (if I recall correctly) also from a conventional
hard drive to my SSD drive. Yes, the copies happen from within
Windows and quick. The restore from the free version boot CD takes
forever (here anyway), but if you have to restore Windows
frequently, something is wrong with your operation. So, during a
restore, I find something else to do.
D
Daave
John said:
Macrium Reflect sounds a lot like DriveImageXML.
Yes, it can take a long time to restore an image. The good news is you
don't have to do anything while it's happening. Actually, sleeping is a
good idea.
