Number of times you can activate Windows

[Tom Edwards]

I've just rebuilt a large portion of my system, including
a new hard drive and motherboard. When I now try to
activate XP Home, I am told that I have exceeded
the 'number of times you can activate Windows' with my
key. If I'm right, I've formatted four times since I had
my computer (this is an OEM copy of XP, btw) delivered.
I've activated it each time. It can't be that my key is
now useless, can it? Surely I'm still entitled to use it,
no matter how many times I format?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

"In general, OEM software may not be transferred from one system
to another system. However, the computer system can certainly be
updated with new components without the requirement of a new
software license. The only exception to this is the motherboard.
If the motherboard is replaced, the computer system is deemed
"new" and a new license would be required. Other PC components
may be upgraded, including a hard drive. Though if the hard drive
is replaced/upgraded, the operating system must first be removed
from the old hard drive. To restate: the operating system is "married"
to the computer system on which it is originally installed."

Ref: http://michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I've just rebuilt a large portion of my system, including
| a new hard drive and motherboard. When I now try to
| activate XP Home, I am told that I have exceeded
| the 'number of times you can activate Windows' with my
| key. If I'm right, I've formatted four times since I had
| my computer (this is an OEM copy of XP, btw) delivered.
| I've activated it each time. It can't be that my key is
| now useless, can it? Surely I'm still entitled to use it,
| no matter how many times I format?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I've just rebuilt a large portion of my system, including
a new hard drive and motherboard. When I now try to
activate XP Home, I am told that I have exceeded
the 'number of times you can activate Windows' with my
key. If I'm right, I've formatted four times since I had
my computer (this is an OEM copy of XP, btw) delivered.
I've activated it each time. It can't be that my key is
now useless, can it? Surely I'm still entitled to use it,
no matter how many times I format?

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. 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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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever
count on having both at once. - RAH

 

[Tom Edwards]

Oh well. Thanks anyway.