Activation

[Guest]

Okay, I format and re-install all my programs every few months.

I have just tried to do that again today and when I tried to activate
windows, it said I had 'exceeded the amount of times I could activate
windows' or something like that!

Surely I should be able to format my computer whenever I want - it being my
computer and all. It wants me to input a different key, but I would assume
it wants me to therefore buy a new copy of windows which I really don't have
the money for!

Is there anyway around this?

 

[Richard Urban]

Use the phone activation method.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Okay, I format and re-install all my programs every few months.

Why? Have nothing better to do with your time? No matter, it's your
choice.

I have just tried to do that again today and when I tried to activate
windows, it said I had 'exceeded the amount of times I could activate
windows' or something like that!

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

Surely I should be able to format my computer whenever I want - it being my
computer and all. It wants me to input a different key, but I would assume
it wants me to therefore buy a new copy of windows which I really don't have
the money for!

Is there anyway around this?

Simply follow the on-screen instructions to activate via telephone.


--

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

 

[--Alias--]

Why? Have nothing better to do with your time? No matter, it's
your choice.

In many cases, a clean install is quicker than cleaning up an infected
machine, especially if you aren't too savvy about cleaning one up.

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."

Then why doesn't it say so?

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

So? According to MS, one can reinstall as many times as one's little
heart desires.

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

Ah, the old you are guilty until you prove you're innocent trip and that
trip is getting really old fast.

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

reality, a relatively minor "cosmetic" issue,

No, it is a LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so they're probably giving
more weight to some silly cost-benefit analysis more than they are their
customers' occasional confusion.

NO! MS is famous for not caring about paying customers.

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.

Just misleading statements like the above that MS hopes will lead to
more XP sales.

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.

5 minute, maybe. 20 minute likely. Where I live, the phone call is on my
dime, not MS'.

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




Simply follow the on-screen instructions to activate via telephone.

Is activation guaranteed by phone? And, if so, what's the point of it?

Alias

 

[Rock]

Okay, I format and re-install all my programs every few months.

I have just tried to do that again today and when I tried to activate
windows, it said I had 'exceeded the amount of times I could activate
windows' or something like that!

Surely I should be able to format my computer whenever I want - it being my
computer and all. It wants me to input a different key, but I would assume
it wants me to therefore buy a new copy of windows which I really don't have
the money for!

Is there anyway around this?

Ok, I'll bite. Why would you want to do this? A properly maintained
system doesn't need it.

Use phone activation.

 

[Frank]

Why? Have nothing better to do with your time? No matter, it's your
choice.

Something, anything that is mine, bought and paid for. I should be able
to use it as I wish.......
This kind of CRAP is nothing more than a marketing SCAM....