Activated twice on different machines!

[Mobius]

While reinstalling Windows XP Pro on a PC - the original hard drive failed -
we erred in using the right CD. We have a few retail versions that were
purchased over time and we mistakenly used one that belonged to another PC
that we built!

But - activation went through immediately! We now are in a situation with
two computers having the same source install CD and same key!

Question is (subdivided into parts we can digest):

a) Can a "key-changer" utility be used to change the key to the proper one?

b) Will a repair install be necessary after the key change?

c) Will there be an activation/re-activation problem now?

d) Will Microsoft personnel accompanied by men-in-black be knocking on our
door anytime soon?

I read quite so many posts about activation issues that I was almost
literally floored by the activation going through on this one! Is there a
crack in the much-vaunted activation process after all? We cannot figure out
how this went through.

Also, after the activation, the Genuine Check passed and updates were
downloaded and installed before we spotted the error! Confounds me.

Thanks in advance with suggestions on what to do.

Mobius

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Two wrongs do not make a right. Use the correct
Windows XP CD and Product Key and perform
a "Repair Install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

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

:

| While reinstalling Windows XP Pro on a PC - the original hard drive failed -
| we erred in using the right CD. We have a few retail versions that were
| purchased over time and we mistakenly used one that belonged to another PC
| that we built!
|
| But - activation went through immediately! We now are in a situation with
| two computers having the same source install CD and same key!
|
| Question is (subdivided into parts we can digest):
|
| a) Can a "key-changer" utility be used to change the key to the proper one?
|
| b) Will a repair install be necessary after the key change?
|
| c) Will there be an activation/re-activation problem now?
|
| d) Will Microsoft personnel accompanied by men-in-black be knocking on our
| door anytime soon?
|
| I read quite so many posts about activation issues that I was almost
| literally floored by the activation going through on this one! Is there a
| crack in the much-vaunted activation process after all? We cannot figure out
| how this went through.
|
| Also, after the activation, the Genuine Check passed and updates were
| downloaded and installed before we spotted the error! Confounds me.
|
| Thanks in advance with suggestions on what to do.
|
| Mobius

 

[Alias]

Two wrongs do not make a right. Use the correct
Windows XP CD and Product Key and perform
a "Repair Install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Why should he? He has a legal license he paid for and you're suggesting
he use his valuable time to do a repair install instead of (gasp!) using
his computer.

Alias

 

[Jone Doe]

Why should he? He has a legal license he paid for and you're suggesting he
use his valuable time to do a repair install instead of (gasp!) using his
computer.

Alias

How about because it's the right and proper thing to do? Suppose you own 2
automobiles, and buy two sets of plates, and put the wrong plate on the car.
Should you make it right, or drive it, after all you own both the plate and
the car. If you chose "drive it" you are facing a very expensive ticket.
You may not be fined for having the wrong license on your computer...but
it's still the proper thing to do, so do it.

 

[Alias]

How about because it's the right and proper thing to do? Suppose you own 2
automobiles, and buy two sets of plates, and put the wrong plate on the car.
Should you make it right, or drive it, after all you own both the plate and
the car. If you chose "drive it" you are facing a very expensive ticket.
You may not be fined for having the wrong license on your computer...but
it's still the proper thing to do, so do it.

Um, the comparison of two screws and reinstalling Windows is
apples/oranges. He did the "right" thing and paid for the licence. You
act like he's stealing.

Alias

 

[Gary R.]

How about because it's the right and proper thing to do? Suppose you own

Um, the comparison of two screws and reinstalling Windows is
apples/oranges. He did the "right" thing and paid for the licence. You act
like he's stealing.

This exchange reminded me of the airline lady in "Meet the parents", where
he was the only one waiting to board the plane, but the lady made him wait
while "Rows 1 through 12" boarded first, even though no one was there. Made
him wait, looked at her watch, finally announced that the "rest" of them
could board.

I'm sure if that airline lady was asked, she'd have him reinstalling
Windows, probably not a repair though, since the first one was "illegal".
From scratch, no doubt. 8^) Some people pick at the nits, some figure if it
all evens out in the end, that's what matters. While I'm sure that those
speaking on behalf of MS are saying what is required and expected of them,
to anyone else, what possible difference does it make given the facts?

Gary

 

[GHalleck]

This exchange reminded me of the airline lady in "Meet the parents", where
he was the only one waiting to board the plane, but the lady made him wait
while "Rows 1 through 12" boarded first, even though no one was there. Made
him wait, looked at her watch, finally announced that the "rest" of them
could board.

I'm sure if that airline lady was asked, she'd have him reinstalling
Windows, probably not a repair though, since the first one was "illegal".
From scratch, no doubt. 8^) Some people pick at the nits, some figure if it
all evens out in the end, that's what matters. While I'm sure that those
speaking on behalf of MS are saying what is required and expected of them,
to anyone else, what possible difference does it make given the facts?

Gary

Because, as Carey Frisch wrote, there is an absolute --- "Two
wrongs do not make a right".

 

[Mobius]

Thanks for the very informative responses! I already made a decision to do a
fresh install - with the right CD this time!

However, if I may respectfully point out, I do not see anything "wrong"
in the event. The usage of the particular CD was accidental. All the Windows
XP CDs we have here from my installs are retail versions fully paid for.

And *Microsoft* did activate it! I could have just kept quiet and went about
using that PC - after all every bit of Microsoftware I have is fully paid
for legal retail versions. Microsoft is not going to lose a single red cent
in this case. And no piracy has been committed.

The one thing I still don't understand is how an installation already
activated and active on one particular computer could pass activation on an
entirely different computer!

I just wanted to do the right thing and was seeking opinions on how to go
about it. I never came across any similar situation before - hence my post.

Regards and thanks again your responses. These newsgroups do fulfill a
wondrous purpose of guiding those in need of it.

Bless you all.

Mobius

 

[Gary R.]

Because, as Carey Frisch wrote, there is an absolute --- "Two
wrongs do not make a right".

Unfortunately, your "absolute" may be "absolute" to you, but it stops at the
end of your nose. Whether there was ANY wrong is questionable; he grabbed
the wrong CD, so shoot him.

Take it to a judge:

"next case, let's see, this says you were using a copy of Windows that was
still in use on another machine".

"Yes sir, I accidentally used the wrong CD from my other computer, but I
have them both here to show you that both machines had their own copies."

"Well why didn't you reinstall with the right one?

"I dunno, it was a lot of work to begin with, just seemed like a big waste
of time; they were the same, I was busy at the time, was afraid something
would go wrong and I'd have to redo the whole thing, after a while I just
forgot about it. Tried to change it to the right serial number like I would
have done with Windows 98 and it wouldn't let me."

"This is an outrage, Guilty! Ten thousand dollar fine and six months, you
low-life! I hope you learn your lesson, Mother Theresa; next case."

Somewhere along the line, hopefully you will learn what "wrong" really is,
and that a nitpicky, "minor detail only" honest mistake that harms or
endangers or inconveniences absolutely no one hardly qualifies as "Wrong".
There are enough things that are genuinely wrong without having to invent
new ones so you can add up two wrongs (incidentally, what was the second
"wrong?"). This person now knows how to fix it, comparatively complicated
as it may be. Should he choose to spend the time and effort, great, should
he choose not to, or if he never gets around to it, or does it in two years
when he reformats again, it will make absolutely no difference to you or
anyone else. MS has their money that they're entitled to; he has his
computers and OS's that he's entitled to, all is well, regardless. If it
bothers you, that's your issue, go organize your sock drawer alphabetically
and by purchase date. If the imaginary judge above was real, he'd have no
doubt dismissed it in the interest of justice.

Gary

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

Two wrongs do not make a right. Use the correct
Windows XP CD and Product Key and perform
a "Repair Install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

No need Carey, the key changer will work just fine as long as they are the
same version which would also be necessary for a repair install to work.
I need to change my XP Product KEY #18 on the FAQ list
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Alias]

The programs are flawed is why and, of course, these programs don't stop
piracy one iota and only inconvenience the paying customer.

Alias

 

[Jone Doe]

This exchange reminded me of the airline lady in "Meet the parents", where
he was the only one waiting to board the plane, but the lady made him wait
while "Rows 1 through 12" boarded first, even though no one was there.
Made him wait, looked at her watch, finally announced that the "rest" of
them could board.

I'm sure if that airline lady was asked, she'd have him reinstalling
Windows, probably not a repair though, since the first one was "illegal".
From scratch, no doubt. 8^) Some people pick at the nits, some figure if
it all evens out in the end, that's what matters. While I'm sure that
those speaking on behalf of MS are saying what is required and expected of
them, to anyone else, what possible difference does it make given the
facts?

Gary

The amount of work done, 2 screws vs a few clicks of a mouse, has no
relevance on the question. Jails are full of innocent people don't you
know. And to answer your question as to the difference it makes given the
'facts'--have you ever heard of the concept of having a moral compass?

 

[Alias]

The amount of work done, 2 screws vs a few clicks of a mouse, has no
relevance on the question. Jails are full of innocent people don't you
know. And to answer your question as to the difference it makes given the
'facts'--have you ever heard of the concept of having a moral compass?

What morality? He has two OSs that he paid for. No law broken. An EULA
is NOT a law or a morality barometer, you moron!

Speaking of moral compasses, why aren't you getting on MS' case for
stealing Windows from Apple?

Alias

 

[Steve N.]

While reinstalling Windows XP Pro on a PC - the original hard drive failed -
we erred in using the right CD. We have a few retail versions that were
purchased over time and we mistakenly used one that belonged to another PC
that we built!

But - activation went through immediately! We now are in a situation with
two computers having the same source install CD and same key!

Question is (subdivided into parts we can digest):

I've already got indigestion

a) Can a "key-changer" utility be used to change the key to the proper one?

Maybe. Try one and see, then tell us.

b) Will a repair install be necessary after the key change?

Probably not, but you never know with Windows XP.

c) Will there be an activation/re-activation problem now?

Not unless the other product key triggers it for some stupid reason.

d) Will Microsoft personnel accompanied by men-in-black be knocking on our
door anytime soon?

LOL! Not likely.

I read quite so many posts about activation issues that I was almost
literally floored by the activation going through on this one! Is there a
crack in the much-vaunted activation process after all? We cannot figure out
how this went through.

Much-vaunted? More like much-flawed.

Also, after the activation, the Genuine Check passed and updates were
downloaded and installed before we spotted the error! Confounds me.

Why is there air? Why ask why? I don't think anyone has a true grasp of
this whole Activation and Validation crap-pile, no matter what they say
or what M$ articles they may site by rote. Consider yourself fortunate.

Thanks in advance with suggestions on what to do.

In my opinion, do nothing. Let it go. Unless you're using VLAs you are
not subject to random audits by the M$ fuzz. M$ got their money, you've
got valid licenses, so big deal.

Mobius

You're welcome,
Steve N.

 

[Steve N.]

Two wrongs do not make a right.

But three lefts do.

Use the correct
Windows XP CD and Product Key and perform
a "Repair Install".

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

What do you care? You gonna turn his butt in to the M$ cops? They
already got their money, he's got valid licenses. Everything works and
it all passed M$'s Activation and Validation BS, so who cares?

Focus on more important issues, like driving the speed limit, paying
attention to School Zones and not lying.

Steve N.

 

[Jone Doe]

What morality? He has two OSs that he paid for. No law broken. An EULA is
NOT a law or a morality barometer, you moron!

Speaking of moral compasses, why aren't you getting on MS' case for
stealing Windows from Apple?

Alias

He also has two license plates he paid for, so just what is the difference
again? I see when you run out of things to say, you resort to name calling.
Better stop, or I will tell your mommy.

 

[Alias]

He also has two license plates he paid for, so just what is the difference
again? I see when you run out of things to say, you resort to name calling.
Better stop, or I will tell your mommy.

The OP has done nothing illegal. Period.

Alias

 

[Jone Doe]

The OP has done nothing illegal. Period.

Alias

What about proper? Will you go as far as to say "the OP has done nothing
improper. Period."?

 

[Alias]

What about proper? Will you go as far as to say "the OP has done nothing
improper. Period."?

"Proper"? Defined by whom? As far as I am concerned, what would be
"proper" is to allow a family with two or more computers to install one
version of XP on all of them. That would be "proper". Eliminating the
WPA and WGA would be "proper". You are assuming that MS is "proper" in
making paying customers jump these hoops. I disagree. MS made billions
with the non activating OSs and WPA and WGA has not stopped piracy one
iota. It has only inconvenienced paying customers, as is the case of the OP.

Alias

 

[Alias]

Realize it or not, we are now in the era of "zero tolerance".
Sadly, the example you give is so real that there is no humor
in it. Judges are now required to follow mandatory sentencing
guidelines, with prescribed terms, whether the infraction is
just a teensy bit over the line or absolutely outrageous.

And Bush just appointed two more ...

Alias