Activating XP Pro - Max Number of Times?

[Smithers]

Back in 2009 I had a MSDN Universal subscription that of course came with XP
Pro. In the past few years I have reimaged/reinstalled my development
computers probably 10-15 times or so. I just reimaged again yesterday and
when I went to activate the copy I received a popup stating that I had
exceeded the maximum number of times I could activate. I called the phone
number and got it activated that way so I'm at least up and running.

My question: What is the maximum number of times that XP Pro - from an old
MSDN subscription can be activated? Where can I learn more about this whole
activation thing.

Thanks.

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

My question: What is the maximum number of times that XP Pro - from an
old MSDN subscription can be activated? Where can I learn more about
this whole activation thing.

"Product Keys and Activation" (excerpt)
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/aa948864.aspx#keys

| MSDN Subscription product keys can be used to activate software on up
| to 10 PCs. An additional product key may be requested by calling MSDN
| customer service.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Back in 2009 I had a MSDN Universal subscription that of course came with XP
Pro. In the past few years I have reimaged/reinstalled my development
computers probably 10-15 times or so. I just reimaged again yesterday and
when I went to activate the copy I received a popup stating that I had
exceeded the maximum number of times I could activate. I called the phone
number and got it activated that way so I'm at least up and running.

My question: What is the maximum number of times that XP Pro - from an old
MSDN subscription can be activated? Where can I learn more about this whole
activation thing.

Thanks.

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. Nor does a Product Key (so long as it's not an evaluation
license) ever expire. 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:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot