Activation Numbers for XP

[casey.o]

I finally had to activate XP on one of my computers by phone, because it
was close to expiring. I tried a different modem, which seems to
connect to the internet, although slow, but I kept getting a message
saying the MS Activaton is busy or something like that. At one point it
told me the phone number was invalid 1-800-857-3121, which allowed me to
at least change the default pulse dialing to tone. I'm wondering if MS
has abandoned the internet activation. I could not get it to work for
several hours.

Anyhow, I finally did it by phone. I was having trouble trying to use
the phone and type in those numbers at the same time, so I wrote them
down on paper (for boxes A thru G). Then I had them repeat it twice so
I could enter the numbers and make sure it worked.

It worked!!!
Now, I am wondering of I should save those numbers that I wrote down, in
case I have to ever reinstall on this computer. Will they work again?

If so, I'll tape the paper right on the case so it's there.

 

[Ian Jackson]

I finally had to activate XP on one of my computers by phone, because it
was close to expiring. I tried a different modem, which seems to
connect to the internet, although slow, but I kept getting a message
saying the MS Activaton is busy or something like that. At one point it
told me the phone number was invalid 1-800-857-3121, which allowed me to
at least change the default pulse dialing to tone. I'm wondering if MS
has abandoned the internet activation. I could not get it to work for
several hours.

I hope not!

Anyhow, I finally did it by phone. I was having trouble trying to use
the phone and type in those numbers at the same time, so I wrote them
down on paper (for boxes A thru G). Then I had them repeat it twice so
I could enter the numbers and make sure it worked.

Were MS giving YOU a key to type in?

It worked!!!
Now, I am wondering of I should save those numbers that I wrote down, in
case I have to ever reinstall on this computer. Will they work again?

If so, I'll tape the paper right on the case so it's there.

I'm unaware that the activation key 'expires'. However, you're likely to
have to re-activate if you have made certain hardware changes to your
computer (especially if the XP is OEM).

If you have a valid activation key, you should certainly keep a
permanent record of it (as you say, tape it on - or preferably inside
the computer). It's certainly not a 'use once and throw away' thing. If
you happen to lose the key, and the computer is still working, there are
several ways to find out what it is. If MS gave you a new key to use,
this will be the one to use from now on (and not the previous key).

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Anyhow, I finally did it by phone. I was having trouble trying to use
the phone and type in those numbers at the same time, so I wrote them
down on paper (for boxes A thru G). Then I had them repeat it twice so
I could enter the numbers and make sure it worked.

It worked!!!
Now, I am wondering of I should save those numbers that I wrote down, in
case I have to ever reinstall on this computer. Will they work again?

Yes!


If so, I'll tape the paper right on the case so it's there.

Good, but make sure it's not in pencil that will rub off.

 

[Paul]

Yes!

Do you mean, the 56 digit challenge and 56 digit response with
the automated phone system, is the same every time ?

I've been unable to find any information, on what info is
hashed into those sequences.

Paul

 

[casey.o]

Do you mean, the 56 digit challenge and 56 digit response with
the automated phone system, is the same every time ?

I've been unable to find any information, on what info is
hashed into those sequences.

Paul

Actually there are 42 digits. Each box from A thru G one gets 6
numbers. (7 boxes x 6 = 42).

 

[micky]

I finally had to activate XP on one of my computers by phone, because it
was close to expiring. I tried a different modem, which seems to
connect to the internet, although slow, but I kept getting a message
saying the MS Activaton is busy or something like that. At one point it
told me the phone number was invalid 1-800-857-3121, which allowed me to
at least change the default pulse dialing to tone. I'm wondering if MS
has abandoned the internet activation. I could not get it to work for
several hours.

Anyhow, I finally did it by phone.

So what was the phone number that worked? Let us all know.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Do you mean, the 56 digit challenge and 56 digit response with
the automated phone system, is the same every time ?

I've been unable to find any information, on what info is
hashed into those sequences.

I'm confused. I thought he was talking about the Product Key.

 

[casey.o]

So what was the phone number that worked? Let us all know.

I never did work to activate via the internet. I got tired of trying
and finally did it by phone. The number posted to my screen to activate
via phone is what I used. I dont recall what that number was, and did
not write it down.

 

[casey.o]

I'm confused. I thought he was talking about the Product Key.

NO, the product key is on the computer case, and was put there when the
computer was manufactured.

I'm talking about ACTIVATION via telephone. The computer generated a
long number, which I had to say on the phone. Then they gave me those
seven sets of six numbers to type into the boxes. That completed the
activation. If you've never activated via phone, you will never see
those numbers.

 

[Hot-Text]

| > Ken Blake, MVP wrote:
| > > On Sat, 19 Apr 2014 23:10:43 -0600, (e-mail address removed) wrote:
| > >> Anyhow, I finally did it by phone. I was having trouble trying to
use
| > >> the phone and type in those numbers at the same time, so I wrote them
| > >> down on paper (for boxes A thru G). Then I had them repeat it twice
so
| > >> I could enter the numbers and make sure it worked.
| > >> It worked!!!
| > >> Now, I am wondering of I should save those numbers that I wrote down,
in
| > >> case I have to ever reinstall on this computer. Will they work
again?
| > > Yes!
| >
| > Do you mean, the 56 digit challenge and 56 digit response with
| > the automated phone system, is the same every time ?
| > I've been unable to find any information, on what info is
| > hashed into those sequences.
|
| I'm confused. I thought he was talking about the Product Key.

Activation Genuine Windows

 

[Daave]

I'm confused. I thought he was talking about the Product Key.

I believe OP was referring to the "confirmation ID" mentioned on this
page:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/osproductkeys/ss/change-windows-xp-product-key_14.htm

And here is the window without the "Pin it" button obscuring the "Next"
button:

http://0.tqn.com/d/pcsupport/1/0/u/6/-/-/change-xp-product-key-14.jpg

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I believe OP was referring to the "confirmation ID" mentioned on this
page:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/osproductkeys/ss/change-windows-xp-product-key_14.htm

And here is the window without the "Pin it" button obscuring the "Next"
button:

http://0.tqn.com/d/pcsupport/1/0/u/6/-/-/change-xp-product-key-14.jpg


Thanks.