Activation problems

[Guest]

Hello,
I recently formated my windows partition, and reinstalled windows. When i
tried to activate it tells me that i have activated too many times already
and that i need to call the support phone number. I call that number and tell
the automatic answering machine what my Installation ID is. It replies that
I've activated it too many times and that i need to talk to a live customer
representative. Then it tells me to wait until someone can process my call. I
wait and wait, but noone answers it. I wait for over 30 minutes, until my
cell phone runs out of phone credits (I called the toll free number, but it's
not toll free with my cell phone). Now Windows will stop working within 24
hours

What am I supposed to do ? Why do Microsoft have a feature that restricts
the amount of times i can activate Windows? If i had downloaded the pirated
version instead of buying the damn licence I wouldn't have had this problems
at all. Its a disgrace! How can i get microsoft to give me more activations
through the "activate over internet" option? Is this impossible? Should i
just download the pirate version instead?

Regards

Wim Sjøholm, frustrated Microsoft customer

 

[Ghostrider]

Hello,
I recently formated my windows partition, and reinstalled windows. When i
tried to activate it tells me that i have activated too many times already
and that i need to call the support phone number. I call that number and tell
the automatic answering machine what my Installation ID is. It replies that
I've activated it too many times and that i need to talk to a live customer
representative. Then it tells me to wait until someone can process my call. I
wait and wait, but noone answers it. I wait for over 30 minutes, until my
cell phone runs out of phone credits (I called the toll free number, but it's
not toll free with my cell phone). Now Windows will stop working within 24
hours

What am I supposed to do ? Why do Microsoft have a feature that restricts
the amount of times i can activate Windows? If i had downloaded the pirated
version instead of buying the damn licence I wouldn't have had this problems
at all. Its a disgrace! How can i get microsoft to give me more activations
through the "activate over internet" option? Is this impossible? Should i
just download the pirate version instead?

Regards

Wim Sjøholm, frustrated Microsoft customer

If the alternative to being satisfied is to use a pirated
version of Windows XP, then consider Windows XP-SP4 as the
better choice. Or, do not wait longer than 5 minutes whilst
on hold, waiting for a live person. And use a land telephone
line instead of a cell phone. After all, Microsoft is paying
for the toll call.

 

[Ghostrider]

If the alternative to being satisfied is to use a pirated
version of Windows XP, then consider Windows XP-SP4 as the
better choice. Or, do not wait longer than 5 minutes whilst
on hold, waiting for a live person. And use a land telephone
line instead of a cell phone. After all, Microsoft is paying
for the toll call.

That is...Windows 2000-SP4.

 

[Guest]

Hey, no need to take that tone! I dont have a land line in my appartment,
thats ancient nowadays. In fact, noone i know have a land line any longer.
And how was i supposed to wait 5 more minutes, i ran out of credits on my
cell phone!

 

[Plato]

cell phone runs out of phone credits (I called the toll free number, but it's
not toll free with my cell phone). Now Windows will stop working within 24
hours

What am I supposed to do ? Why do Microsoft have a feature that restricts

Use a phone that runs for free when you call a toll free number.

 

[Rock]

Hello,
I recently formated my windows partition, and reinstalled windows. When i
tried to activate it tells me that i have activated too many times already
and that i need to call the support phone number. I call that number and
tell
the automatic answering machine what my Installation ID is. It replies
that
I've activated it too many times and that i need to talk to a live
customer
representative. Then it tells me to wait until someone can process my
call. I
wait and wait, but noone answers it. I wait for over 30 minutes, until my
cell phone runs out of phone credits (I called the toll free number, but
it's
not toll free with my cell phone). Now Windows will stop working within 24
hours

What am I supposed to do ? Why do Microsoft have a feature that restricts
the amount of times i can activate Windows? If i had downloaded the
pirated
version instead of buying the damn licence I wouldn't have had this
problems
at all. Its a disgrace! How can i get microsoft to give me more
activations
through the "activate over internet" option? Is this impossible? Should i
just download the pirate version instead?

Regards

Wim Sjøholm, frustrated Microsoft customer

Find a phone that allows you to call the toll free number.

 

[Blue]

Find a phone that allows you to call the toll free number.

He did, but cell phones still run up AIR TIME, even if the number is
toll-free. 30+ minutes is an unreasonable hold time.

Blue

 

[Rock]

He did, but cell phones still run up AIR TIME, even if the number is
toll-free. 30+ minutes is an unreasonable hold time.

Blue

Posting here isn't going to change that. He has to call, so he needs to
figure out some phone to use.

 

[NoStop]

Hello,
I recently formated my windows partition, and reinstalled windows. When i
tried to activate it tells me that i have activated too many times already
and that i need to call the support phone number. I call that number and
tell the automatic answering machine what my Installation ID is. It
replies that I've activated it too many times and that i need to talk to a
live customer representative. Then it tells me to wait until someone can
process my call. I wait and wait, but noone answers it. I wait for over 30
minutes, until my cell phone runs out of phone credits (I called the toll
free number, but it's not toll free with my cell phone). Now Windows will
stop working within 24 hours

What am I supposed to do ? Why do Microsoft have a feature that restricts
the amount of times i can activate Windows? If i had downloaded the
pirated version instead of buying the damn licence I wouldn't have had
this problems at all. Its a disgrace! How can i get microsoft to give me
more activations through the "activate over internet" option? Is this
impossible? Should i just download the pirate version instead?

Regards

Wim Sjøholm, frustrated Microsoft customer

Don't get frustrated - get even and drop that toy operating system. Go here
and pick up a FREE and superior operating system:

http://ubuntu.com

Cheers.

--
Linux is ready for the desktop! More ready than Windoze XP.
http://tinyurl.com/ldm9d

You just can't play games on Linux!
http://tinyurl.com/kgszl

 

[Guest]

Don't get frustrated - get even and drop that toy operating system. Go here
and pick up a FREE and superior operating system:

http://ubuntu.com

Cheers.

--
Linux is ready for the desktop! More ready than Windoze XP.
http://tinyurl.com/ldm9d

You just can't play games on Linux!
http://tinyurl.com/kgszl

Ye, I already use Ubuntu for most tasks, however I cannot use it for games.
I develop game modifications and I'm dependant on using windows for those
things. Thanks for the suggestion anyway

 

[Nada Tapu]

What am I supposed to do ? Why do Microsoft have a feature that restricts
the amount of times i can activate Windows?

From Product Activation Facts: "Activations on the same PC using the
same product key are unlimited."

If i had downloaded the pirated
version instead of buying the damn licence I wouldn't have had this problems
at all.

Ironic, isn't it? Once again, it's the honest, paying consumer that
is inconvenienced for the shortcomings of WPA.

Its a disgrace! How can i get microsoft to give me more activations
through the "activate over internet" option?

You'll simply have to activate by phone. It's your only option at
this point.

NT

 

[Nada Tapu]

He did, but cell phones still run up AIR TIME, even if the number is
toll-free. 30+ minutes is an unreasonable hold time.

Blue

Exactly right. If he had been properly served, this thread never would
have happened.

NT

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello,
I recently formated my windows partition, and reinstalled windows. When i
tried to activate it tells me that i have activated too many times already
and that i need to call the support phone number. I call that number and tell
the automatic answering machine what my Installation ID is. It replies that
I've activated it too many times and that i need to talk to a live customer
representative. Then it tells me to wait until someone can process my call. I
wait and wait, but noone answers it. I wait for over 30 minutes, until my
cell phone runs out of phone credits (I called the toll free number, but it's
not toll free with my cell phone). Now Windows will stop working within 24
hours

What am I supposed to do ? Why do Microsoft have a feature that restricts
the amount of times i can activate Windows? If i had downloaded the pirated
version instead of buying the damn licence I wouldn't have had this problems
at all. Its a disgrace! How can i get microsoft to give me more activations
through the "activate over internet" option? Is this impossible? Should i
just download the pirate version instead?

Regards

Wim Sjøholm, frustrated Microsoft customer

The error message you received is somewhat misleading. What it
really means is that you've activated "via the Internet too many times
within the last 120 days." Because there is usually no sound technical
reason for reinstalling and re-activating WinXP so frequently, the
automatic presumption is that the OS is being installed on multiple
machines. I think Microsoft should fix this message, but it is, in
reality, a relatively minor "cosmetic" issue, so they're probably giving
more weight to some silly cost-benefit analysis more than they are their
customers' occasional confusion.

In actuality, 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

 

[Nada Tapu]

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.

According to a rumored new activation policy cited in another thread,
one can only activate via the internet once - for the life of the
license. All subsequent activations must be via telephone. I am
doing my best to verify the validity of this new policy through direct
contact with Microsoft and outside reporting agencies and sources.
If true, it might explain the long hold times on the activation line
(30+ minutes, which is unreasonable). The last time I activated by
phone (before the supposed new policy was in effect), the whole
process consumed no more than about 7 minutes.

NT

 

[Alias~-]

If you haven't changed any hardware, it doesn't matter how long it's
been since the last activation.

According to a rumored new activation policy cited in another thread,
one can only activate via the internet once - for the life of the
license. All subsequent activations must be via telephone. I am
doing my best to verify the validity of this new policy through direct
contact with Microsoft and outside reporting agencies and sources.
If true, it might explain the long hold times on the activation line
(30+ minutes, which is unreasonable). The last time I activated by
phone (before the supposed new policy was in effect), the whole
process consumed no more than about 7 minutes.

NT

Must be really recent because I reinstalled a computer the other day and
it activated on line (fourth time). I suspect this is a urban myth due
to my experience and the fact that this newsgroup isn't loaded with
people who couldn't activate on line.

Alias

 

[Alias~-]

The error message you received is somewhat misleading.

Yeah, it's called lying.

What it
really means is that you've activated "via the Internet too many times
within the last 120 days."

Then it should say so and how many are "too many".

Because there is usually no sound technical
reason for reinstalling and re-activating WinXP so frequently,

One needs a "sound technical reason"? If one buys a license and just
enjoys reinstalling, what's the harm to Microsoft or the world at large?
If a school wants to teach students how to reinstall Windows, what
provisions are there for them? No one benefits from phone activation. MS
has to pay phone operators all over the world and paying customers have
to waste their time proving their innocence. I have never heard of
anyone being denied activation via phone if running a legit license. So,
the only reason I can think of is that MS hopes it will scare people
into buying licenses that they don't need with these kinds of messages.

the
automatic presumption is that the OS is being installed on multiple
machines.

The automatic presumption of MS is that all their customers -- including
you -- are thieves.


I think Microsoft should fix this message, but it is, in

reality, a relatively minor "cosmetic" issue, so they're probably giving
more weight to some silly cost-benefit analysis more than they are their
customers' occasional confusion.

Not a "cosmetic" issue but a LIE, one designed to get Johnny Customer to
rush out and buy another copy of XP.

In actuality, 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.

No, if there has been a lot of hardware changes, not time. I've
reinstalled within the 120 days for sound, technical reasons like
upgrading a motherboard a number of times and I have never had to call.

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

According to a rumored new activation policy cited in another thread,
one can only activate via the internet once - for the life of the
license. All subsequent activations must be via telephone. I am
doing my best to verify the validity of this new policy through direct
contact with Microsoft and outside reporting agencies and sources.
If true, it might explain the long hold times on the activation line
(30+ minutes, which is unreasonable). The last time I activated by
phone (before the supposed new policy was in effect), the whole
process consumed no more than about 7 minutes.

NT

I believe the key word is "rumored." There's been absolutely no
substantiation of this claim, as of yet.


--

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

 

[williamslt]

Nada Tapu wrote:-

According to a rumored new activation policy cited in another thread,
one can only activate via the internet once - for the life of the
license. All subsequent activations must be via telephone. I am
doing my best to verify the validity of this new policy throug
direct
contact with Microsoft and outside reporting agencies and sources.
If true, it might explain the long hold times on the activation line
(30+ minutes, which is unreasonable). The last time I activated by
phone (before the supposed new policy was in effect), the whole
process consumed no more than about 7 minutes.

NT
-


I believe the key word is "rumored." There's been absolutely no
substantiation of this claim, as of yet.


--

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. -Bertran
Russell

If you have a legal copy, will they allow you to activate it if you ar
upgrading (XP PRO) a machine that is different than before? I installe
it to my sons computer and it gave me the same message> "you hav
activated this too many time call this number"

 

[Bruce Chambers]

If you have a legal copy, will they allow you to activate it if you are
upgrading (XP PRO) a machine that is different than before? I installed
it to my sons computer and it gave me the same message> "you have
activated this too many time call this number",

Assuming a retail license (OEM licenses are not legitimately
transferable), simply remove WinXP from the computer it is currently on
and then install it on the new computer. If it's been more than 120
days since you last activated that specific Product Key, the 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