CD Key

[Guest]

When I try to activate my windows w/sp2 I get this message "According to our
records, the number of times you can activate Windows with this product key
has been exceeded. Please enter a different product key, and than click
Retry". I use one of my PC's to try different programs and setting. And I get
alote of virus/malware, so I have to re-install windows quite often. I do use
Norton Internet Security, and update both windows and Norton often. But my
question is what is the number of time I can re-activate my windows, why
can't I go over this "magic number", do I have to buy a new product key?
Thanks for any help with this.

 

[Claymore]

I've heard the activation limit is 10 times. Try this:

Go to Start/All Programs/Accessories/system Tools/Activate Windows.
Choose the option to "Activate by phone"
The number will be displayed appropriate to your location.

For the future I strongly suggest you get a copy of Acronis True Image
or Norton Ghost (Google for them). These will allow you to create a
bit-for-bit image of your drive that you can restore later - no XP
installation - no activation.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

When I try to activate my windows w/sp2 I get this message "According to our
records, the number of times you can activate Windows with this product key
has been exceeded. Please enter a different product key, and than click
Retry". I use one of my PC's to try different programs and setting. And I get
alote of virus/malware, so I have to re-install windows quite often. I do use
Norton Internet Security, and update both windows and Norton often. But my
question is what is the number of time I can re-activate my windows, why
can't I go over this "magic number", do I have to buy a new product key?
Thanks for any help with this.

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

 

[Daave]

I've heard the activation limit is 10 times. Try this:

Go to Start/All Programs/Accessories/system Tools/Activate Windows.
Choose the option to "Activate by phone"
The number will be displayed appropriate to your location.

For the future I strongly suggest you get a copy of Acronis True Image
or Norton Ghost (Google for them). These will allow you to create a
bit-for-bit image of your drive that you can restore later - no XP
installation - no activation.

I always wondered about this.

Suppose this image is additionally restored on *another PC* -- or ten
other PCs for that matter -- (same make and model number, assuming an
OEM XP installation). Since there's no XP installation/activation, what
is to stop this from occurring (other than the person's conscience)?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Suppose this image is additionally restored on *another PC* -- or ten
other PCs for that matter -- (same make and model number, assuming an
OEM XP installation). Since there's no XP installation/activation, what
is to stop this from occurring (other than the person's conscience)?

If the machines are identical in hardware, the only safeguard is the
integrity of the computer owner.


--

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

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

When I try to activate my windows w/sp2 I get this message "According
to our records, the number of times you can activate Windows with
this product key has been exceeded. Please enter a different product
key, and than click Retry". I use one of my PC's to try different
programs and setting.

And I get alote of virus/malware, so I have to
re-install windows quite often.

No, what you have to do is run appropriate protection software and learn how
to avoid getting *any* viruses or malware. And if you do get infected, you
have to learn how to clean the computer without reinstalling Windows.

I do use Norton Internet Security,

Ugh! That's probably the poorest choice available.

and update both windows and Norton often. But my question is what is
the number of time I can re-activate my windows, why can't I go over
this "magic number", do I have to buy a new product key? Thanks for
any help with this.

There is no "number of times," and you can do it as often as you want or
need to. The message is very misleading. When you get the message, although
you can no longer activate over the internet, you can still activate by
voice telephone call. Just call the 800 number that's provided. It's quick
and easy--usually under five minutes.