Adding Memory

[DrJoel]

If I add memory will Microsoft activation void my Windows XP? Or will it
just ask for me to contact them? Does it supply a number to call? Thanks.

 

[ccr]

Adding just memory should not effect your activation status. XP gives a lot
of leeway to minimum changes like that. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[DrJoel]

Adding just memory should not effect your activation status. XP gives a lot
of leeway to minimum changes like that. I wouldn't worry about it.

Last year I changed a Video card, and I didn't get a chance to boot it.
When I came home from vacation the other guy in the office said he
closed up the case and booted the XP machine. He was then told to
reactivate the XP install. I don't know what he had to do, but he said
it was hell.

 

[Silvabod]

Forgive me for not being totally specific. I'm no expert, but I remember an
"expert" explanation a couple of years ago, perhaps in this ng, exactly how
the "activation" process works. (and the answer to your specific question is
included).

Initial activation process combines
1/ The XP system product ID no.
2/ The internal ID's of key hardware (CPU,m/b,video card, HDD, modem. etc
etc).
There's a total of 8 key ID's. Most count 1 point each, but one (perhaps,
the video card) counts 3 points, which gives a points total of 10.

You can add/change/upgrade your pc PROVIDED the "points count" of the key
components doesn't go below 7. When it does, the re-validation problem kicks
in, next time you log onto MSN.com . And, it's cumulative - all key hardware
replacements reduce the points count, even if spread over years.

You can safeguard one point, should you ever replace your hdd. Keep a note
of your hdd ID. If you replace your hdd, there's a downloadable utility to
change its ID to same ID as the original BEFORE you log onto Microsoft's
website. (If you add a new hdd and keep the original, I THINK it will still
be seen, so adding a 2nd hdd would not affect the points count, even if the
original was made a "slave" - open to correction, it's a long time ago since
I read this data).

ADDING RAM isn't a problem if the original memory is still in place -
REPLACING it would be (same rationale as for 2nd hdd).

Hope this is clear, but I'm sure Googling on "XP activation" will yield a
more comprehensive explanation.

Simple method to see/record your component ID's - download EVEREST, run it,
print off the report. And just hope that you haven't modified/replaced a key
component in the points count before doing it!

 

[Bruce Chambers]

If I add memory will Microsoft activation void my Windows XP?

Not unless you've already made a number of hardware changes and the RAM
upgrade pushes the limit. 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

Or will it
just ask for me to contact them?

If activation does turn out to be required, you'll be so prompted. 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. It shouldn't require more
than a couple mouse clicks.

Does it supply a number to call? Thanks.

If it's been less than 120 days since you last activated that specific
Product Key, you might have to make a 5 minute phone call. The number
will be provided. The process is normally quite simple and painless.


--

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

 

[DrJoel]

Not unless you've already made a number of hardware changes and the
RAM upgrade pushes the limit. 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




If activation does turn out to be required, you'll be so prompted.
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. It shouldn't require more
than a couple mouse clicks.




If it's been less than 120 days since you last activated that
specific Product Key, you might have to make a 5 minute phone call. The
number will be provided. The process is normally quite simple and
painless.

Thanks for the information. My problem is this. Two weeks ago I had a
problem with Windows XP (Provided with Dell Computer. I had to format
drive which I did. Windows was activated with no problems. I later found
out it is a bad set of memory. I ordered 1Gig of memory to replace it.
It should be here by Monday. Do you think I will have problems? Thanks.

 

[Ron Hardin]

Thanks for the information. My problem is this. Two weeks ago I had a
problem with Windows XP (Provided with Dell Computer. I had to format
drive which I did. Windows was activated with no problems. I later found
out it is a bad set of memory. I ordered 1Gig of memory to replace it.
It should be here by Monday. Do you think I will have problems? Thanks.

I added a 1gb chip to my Inspiron 2200 256mb and the only result was a prod
from Dell's pop-up to increase the swap size, and a remark from the boot sequence
that the system memory had changed.

Also that the thing is a lot faster now.

 

[Ron Hardin]

Incidentally Dell has a fine memory tester it might be worth letting test the
new chip

When you boot, keep hitting F12 fast until you get a boot choice, select
diagnostics

(from memory) let it run the regular diagnostics, and then go into Dell's
super diagnostics

You can let it run them, or esc out and just check the system memory test

Let it run that; note which are the longer ones (I think the 2nd is one).

Select that when it finishes, put an infinite count on it, and let it run a couple
hours or overnight for that matter.

I believe you just esc and power off to reboot back to XP.

I got a flakey chip once and this was helpful, rather than letting XP take
odd stray errors and panic about it.