Activation of XP after full reinstall

[Karl]

After installing XP over Win 98, I'm still crashing and
locking-up. I plan to wipe the drive, reinstall the
original OEM software (which includes 98) and try a
reinstall of XP. I've heard that it's almost impossible to
get MS to "Activate" the software again. I've spent 2-hours
on the MS Support web site trying to fine an answer or
procedure. Can you guys help?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You were misinformed. You can reinstall Windows XP again
and if Product Activation should be unsuccessful via the internet
method, then simply chose the "activate by telephone" option.

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/security/protect/

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


| After installing XP over Win 98, I'm still crashing and
| locking-up. I plan to wipe the drive, reinstall the
| original OEM software (which includes 98) and try a
| reinstall of XP. I've heard that it's almost impossible to
| get MS to "Activate" the software again. I've spent 2-hours
| on the MS Support web site trying to fine an answer or
| procedure. Can you guys help?

 

[Gary T.]

-----Original Message-----
After installing XP over Win 98, I'm still crashing and
locking-up. I plan to wipe the drive, reinstall the
original OEM software (which includes 98) and try a
reinstall of XP. I've heard that it's almost impossible to
get MS to "Activate" the software again. I've spent 2- hours
on the MS Support web site trying to fine an answer or
procedure. Can you guys help?
.
Make sure all your software and drivers are compatible

I would Load Xp without installing 98. If XP is an update
(I assume it is) install will as for your 98 disk to
verify you have it. ater it verifies you have it, it will
continue loading XP.

I have reloaded XP several times and never had a problem
with activation.
My problem was installing XP on one drive "then"
installing 98 on another. XP was unstable because 98 was
installed after XP.
Just before I was ready to give up on XP and toss the CD,
I found an artical explaining that when you install two
op systems (even if they are on 2 seperate
drives) "always load the older system first".
Haven't had any problems since.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Karl;
You were badly misinformed.
You have already spent more time in the newsgroup than a worst case 5
minute call to Microsoft for activation.

 

[Bob Harris]

You do not have to install 98 first, just have the 98 CDROM handy for when
XP asks for proof of a qualifying system for the upgrade. However, if you
do not actually have a 98 CDROM, but a system resoter CD form the pC maker,
then you might have to resotre 98 first, then install XP scond.

As for activation, my own experience with activating by phone (after the
on-line activation failed) was that the Microsoft representative was very
understanding. The whole process took less than 5 minutes to complete, and
the phone call was free (i.e., 800 number). All they really want to do is
confirm that you have one XP license installed on one PC.