Activation ID has expired?? How can I install Windows again...

[Chuck Green]

I have had to format my hard drive a few times, and after
installing and activating my OEM copy of Windows XP on it
every time, I can now no longer activate Windows anymore,
due to the fact that it has "expired". I also can not
request assistance because the ID is expired. What is
going on here? Shouldn't I be able to use software I paid
money for? Thanks.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Perform a "Repair Install", then chose the option
to "activate by phone" if activation fails via the internet.

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

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

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

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:

| I have had to format my hard drive a few times, and after
| installing and activating my OEM copy of Windows XP on it
| every time, I can now no longer activate Windows anymore,
| due to the fact that it has "expired". I also can not
| request assistance because the ID is expired. What is
| going on here? Shouldn't I be able to use software I paid
| money for? Thanks.

 

[Jerry]

I don't think you can do a 'repair' install using an OEM version; just a
restore, which will overwrite everything.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have had to format my hard drive a few times, and after
installing and activating my OEM copy of Windows XP on it
every time, I can now no longer activate Windows anymore,
due to the fact that it has "expired". I also can not
request assistance because the ID is expired. What is
going on here? Shouldn't I be able to use software I paid
money for? 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:



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

 

[Len Segal]

Jerry, if it is a "real OS CD" (not a "Recovery CD"), yes you can run a
Repair Install. This is totally dependent on what the PC mfr supplied to
their customers.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.

I don't think you can do a 'repair' install using an OEM version; just a
restore, which will overwrite everything.

Perform a "Repair Install", then chose the option
to "activate by phone" if activation fails via the internet.

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

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

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

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

:

| I have had to format my hard drive a few times, and after
| installing and activating my OEM copy of Windows XP on it
| every time, I can now no longer activate Windows anymore,
| due to the fact that it has "expired". I also can not
| request assistance because the ID is expired. What is
| going on here? Shouldn't I be able to use software I paid
| money for? Thanks.