Not Sure... Windows Activation

[Guest]

Just not sure..
I have come across a problem that can only be resolved by reformatting drive
and reinstalling windows.. I am just curious as to the nature of the Windows
activation criteria..
I have activatd windows XP from this computer.. but I am curious if I am to
reinstall windows will I have to re activate???
If so will it accept the re activation from this computer or will I have to
call microsoft to get things straightened out??

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Yes you will need to activate since the new installation of Windows would
never have been activated.
Internet activation should do it since it is all the same hardware.
Also see:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

 

[Guest]

As long as you do a fresh install or reformat, you would need to activate
again. But there's nothing to worry about, as i have activate countless of
time due to reinstall of xp, the procedure is simple and straight forward,
you can choose to activate online (my recommendation) or call up microsoft to
activate through phone.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Just not sure..
I have come across a problem that can only be resolved by reformatting drive
and reinstalling windows.. I am just curious as to the nature of the Windows
activation criteria..
I have activatd windows XP from this computer.. but I am curious if I am to
reinstall windows will I have to re activate???

Yes.


If so will it accept the re activation from this computer or will I have to
call microsoft to get things straightened out??

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

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