ok, let's clear this up MS - is Product Activation really restricted?

[Martin]

I guess you could do a clean install and then simply image the drive. Or
image it at any stage come to that.

--
Best Wishes from Martin

So many questions, so few answers.

PGP Key ID, 0x581E4CE1

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I've read one thread about Product Activation and the problems incurred
doing it a limited number of times. I myself have had to this even with an
OEM version of XP. So I'm confused about whether or not it IS necessary. For
example, I didn't realise the number of times you could activate it was
limited.

That would be because there is no such limit. 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

I know this may be a precaution against piracy,

Not against true piracy, as such, but against the casual copying to
which so many people became accustomed when the earlier version of
Windows had no enforcement mechanism at all.

but MS should
realise that people have to reinstall their OS for many reasons, and just
because they do it often or "too frequently" DOESN'T mean they're a friggin
pirate!

Microsoft does realize that. That's why there are instructions on how
to reinstall Windows in Microsoft's knowledge base. WPA doesn't
normally hinder the process.

Sometimes a clean reinstall of the OS is like a breath of fresh air
for your pc!

How can reinstalling an OS blow dust out of the computer?

This may come as a shock, but sometimes the OS is the cause of
the problem: refusal to recognise drivers, etc,

Wouldn't that actually be a problem with the device driver, then?
That's not a Windows issue, at all. Take this problem up with the
device manufacturer who supplied the poorly written driver.

as well as the unlikely
event of you finding a driver for your hardware that IS "XP compliant".

Actually, you'd be awfully hard pressed to find a modern device driver
that isn't WinXP-compatible, assuming the device is intended for use
with WinXP.

I'd appreciate responses directly from MS-reps, if possible.

Then you'll need to contact Microsoft directly, rather than simply
posting to a public news group.



--

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

 

[Malke]

I've read one thread about Product Activation and the problems
incurred doing it a limited number of times. I myself have had to this
even with an OEM version of XP. So I'm confused about whether or not
it IS necessary. For example, I didn't realise the number of times you
could activate it was limited. I know this may be a precaution against
piracy, but MS should realise that people have to reinstall their OS
for many reasons, and just because they do it often or "too
frequently" DOESN'T mean they're a friggin pirate! Sometimes a clean
reinstall of the OS is like a breath of fresh air for your pc! This
may come as a shock, but sometimes the OS is the cause of the problem:
refusal to recognise drivers, etc, as well as the unlikely event of
you finding a driver for your hardware that IS "XP compliant". Yes,
yes as long as you buy your stuff from the Windows Catalog lol

I'd appreciate responses directly from MS-reps, if possible.

Tim

You aren't speaking to MS tech support here. This a public newsgroup
hosted on a Microsoft server. Sometimes MS employees post here, but the
majority of people are volunteers who do not work for the company. If
you want an official answer, go to MS's website or call them.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/activation.mspx

There is no limit to the number of times you can activate Windows XP.

Malke

 

[kurttrail]

I've read one thread about Product Activation and the problems
incurred doing it a limited number of times. I myself have had to
this even with an OEM version of XP. So I'm confused about whether or
not it IS necessary. For example, I didn't realise the number of
times you could activate it was limited. I know this may be a
precaution against piracy, but MS should realise that people have to
reinstall their OS for many reasons, and just because they do it
often or "too frequently" DOESN'T mean they're a friggin pirate!
Sometimes a clean reinstall of the OS is like a breath of fresh air
for your pc! This may come as a shock, but sometimes the OS is the
cause of the problem: refusal to recognise drivers, etc, as well as
the unlikely event of you finding a driver for your hardware that IS
"XP compliant". Yes, yes as long as you buy your stuff from the
Windows Catalog lol

I'd appreciate responses directly from MS-reps, if possible.

Tim

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Uncle John]

While what Malke says is true about activation for Windows XP, it is not
true for Office 2003 or later and Tim T. seemed to me to be talking about
activation for Microsoft products in general.

 

[kurttrail]

I've read one thread about Product Activation and the problems
incurred doing it a limited number of times. I myself have had to
this even with an OEM version of XP. So I'm confused about whether or
not it IS necessary.

Yes for Retail

Maybe for OEM

No for VL

No for pirated

For example, I didn't realise the number of
times you could activate it was limited.

It's not limited. You can activate an infinite number of times.

I know this may be a
precaution against piracy, but MS should realise that people have to
reinstall their OS for many reasons, and just because they do it
often or "too frequently" DOESN'T mean they're a friggin pirate!

MS doesn't care about people, except to collect money from them!

Sometimes a clean reinstall of the OS is like a breath of fresh air
for your pc! This may come as a shock, but sometimes the OS is the
cause of the problem: refusal to recognise drivers, etc, as well as
the unlikely event of you finding a driver for your hardware that IS
"XP compliant". Yes, yes as long as you buy your stuff from the
Windows Catalog lol

I'd appreciate responses directly from MS-reps, if possible.

If one does then, it will be pure propaganda.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Stephen]

Some copies of Windows XP balk after so many activations on the same PC
within 120 days. I had one copy of Home that balked after a few times .. yet
I had another that I could activate over and over again until the cows came
home .. Why one balked I don't know .. it might have been some reason with
my hardware .. maybe I inadvertently changed some bios configuration that
made it seem like a new set of hardware to the product activation algorithm.

However, technically, as long as you have a legitimate copy you can activate
it on the same set of hardware as many times as you want. If activating by
Internet ever fails then you need simply phone. Tell them the 50 digit
number necessary for activation - that's all they need know:

Microsoft's own words: "The only information required to activate is an
installation ID (and, for Office XP and Office XP family products such as
Visio 2002, the name of the country in which the product is being
installed.)"

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/mpafaq.asp#details

Windows Product Activation only exists to discourage casual copying by the
home and small business user. It doesn't stop dedicated pirates and it isn't
locked down .. heck after 120 days the thing resets so one could conceivably
install the copy on a second computer then and have it activate over the
Internet without a hitch.

Before all this, Microsoft operating system software was completely on the
honour system. Now it is 'sorta' on the honour system 'sorta' portected by
Windows Product Activation. I can't see why anyone would blame Microsoft too
much for providing some protection to their intellectual property.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I've read one thread about Product Activation and the problems
incurred doing it a limited number of times. I myself have had to
this even with an OEM version of XP. So I'm confused about whether or
not it IS necessary. For example, I didn't realize the number of
times you could activate it was limited.

It is? Not that I know of.

I know this may be a precaution against piracy, but MS should
realize that people have to reinstall their OS for many reasons,
and just because they do it often or "too frequently" DOESN'T
mean they're a friggin pirate!

Nope - but I still don't know what the complaint is.. You can reinstall
your copy of Windows XP over and over on the same hardware and the worst
case scenario is a phone call to re-activate.

Sometimes a clean reinstall of the OS is like a breath of fresh air
for your pc! This may come as a shock, but sometimes the OS is the
cause of the problem: refusal to recognize drivers, etc, as well as
the unlikely event of you finding a driver for your hardware that IS
"XP compliant". Yes, yes as long as you buy your stuff from the
Windows Catalog lol

I can say I agree and disagree here. Yes - sometimes I reinstall my OS on
my systems.. It's a cleaner fix than any other - but hardly ever a
necessary one. Sometimes it is faster to reinstall than figure out the
problem. I also can honestly say I have never looked at the "Windows
Catalog" for compatible hardware before buying something. I depend on the
hardware manufacturer, not Microsoft, to insure their component works with
my OS and advertise it if it does.

I'd appreciate responses directly from MS-reps, if possible.

They may respond - but I am not sure what you expect.. Your information
about a "limited number of times" seems skewed at best - if not just
outright incorrect. There is no limited number of times you can install
(reinstall actually) the Windows XP OS (in any version) on a given machine
for which that license was intended and reactivate said install. Yeah -
there is some gray area where the OEM versions are concerned on what you can
change and still use that copy of Windows XP OEM on that machine (as per
license agreement, it is stuck to the fist computer you installed it on..) -
but for sure, if you did not change any hardware, you could install
(reinstall) and reactivate that copy of Windows XP on that machine once
every hour for years and other than it being a pain in the butt and not a
very high-paying career - it would just become monotonous.

 

[kurttrail]

Some copies of Windows XP balk after so many activations on the same
PC within 120 days. I had one copy of Home that balked after a few
times .. yet I had another that I could activate over and over again
until the cows came home .. Why one balked I don't know .. it might
have been some reason with my hardware .. maybe I inadvertently
changed some bios configuration that made it seem like a new set of
hardware to the product activation algorithm.

However, technically, as long as you have a legitimate copy you can
activate it on the same set of hardware as many times as you want. If
activating by Internet ever fails then you need simply phone. Tell
them the 50 digit number necessary for activation - that's all they
need know:

Microsoft's own words: "The only information required to activate is
an installation ID (and, for Office XP and Office XP family products
such as Visio 2002, the name of the country in which the product is
being installed.)"

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/mpafaq.asp#details

Windows Product Activation only exists to discourage casual copying
by the home and small business user. It doesn't stop dedicated
pirates and it isn't locked down .. heck after 120 days the thing
resets so one could conceivably install the copy on a second computer
then and have it activate over the Internet without a hitch.

Before all this, Microsoft operating system software was completely
on the honour system. Now it is 'sorta' on the honour system 'sorta'
portected by Windows Product Activation. I can't see why anyone would
blame Microsoft too much for providing some protection to their
intellectual property.

LOL! What are you, a stockholder?

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Richard Urban]

Yes for Retail

Maybe for OEM

No for VL

No for pirated


It's not limited. You can activate an infinite number of times.


MS doesn't care about people, except to collect money from them!


If one does then, it will be pure propaganda.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

As opposed to YOUR propaganda! Please note 2 and 3 below!


Main Entry: pro·pa·gan·da
Pronunciation: "prä-p&-'gan-d&, "prO-
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Congregatio de propaganda fide Congregation for
propagating the faith, organization established by Pope Gregory XV died 1623
1 capitalized : a congregation of the Roman curia having jurisdiction over
missionary territories and related institutions
2 : the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping
or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
3 : ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause
or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect


--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[kurttrail]

As opposed to YOUR propaganda! Please note 2 and 3 below!


Main Entry: pro·pa·gan·da
Pronunciation: "prä-p&-'gan-d&, "prO-
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Congregatio de propaganda fide
Congregation for propagating the faith, organization established by
Pope Gregory XV died 1623 1 capitalized : a congregation of the Roman
curia having jurisdiction over missionary territories and related
institutions 2 : the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for
the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a
person 3 : ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to
further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public
action having such an effect

LOL! The definition doesn't back up your accusation against me.

prop·a·gan·da n.
1.. The systematic propagation of a doctrine or cause or of
information reflecting the views and interests of those advocating such
a doctrine or cause.
2.. Material disseminated by the advocates or opponents of a doctrine
or cause: wartime propaganda.
3.. Propaganda Roman Catholic Church. A division of the Roman Curia
that has authority in the matter of preaching the gospel, of
establishing the Church in non-Christian countries, and of administering
Church missions in territories where there is no properly organized
hierarchy.
Pay attention to number 1.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Stephen]

I wish I were.

 

[Brian]

I've read one thread about Product Activation and the problems
incurred doing it a limited number of times. I myself have had to
this even with an OEM version of XP. So I'm confused about whether or
not it IS necessary. For example, I didn't realise the number of
times you could activate it was limited.

It's not limited, but after X (whatever X is) activations, MS will only
let you phone in to activate, instead of via the net. Firsthand experience.

 

[valentin tihomirov]

There's no limit to the number of times you can

reinstall and activate the same WinXP license on
the same PC.

What is the notion "same PC"? PC is a set of components. Does it mean I
event cannot change a closure or add a sound card?

 

[Alias]

What is the notion "same PC"? PC is a set of components. Does it mean I
event cannot change a closure or add a sound card?

You can change anything, although if you change too much, you'll have to
activate by phone. If that should happen, you are not required to give
them any more information than a number. If 120 days has passed, you
should be able to activate online. I changed my CPU, added more RAM,
replaced a defective NIC and added a video card, disabling the onboard
video card and, upon reboot, got a balloon to activate. Clicked on it
and activated online without problems.

MS is not clear what a "same PC" is because MS does recognize that
people upgrade their systems.

Alias

 

[Ken Blake]

In

What is the notion "same PC"? PC is a set of components. Does
it mean
I event cannot change a closure or add a sound card?

Exactly what constitutes the "same PC" is a frequent bone of
contention, and Microsoft's EULA does not spell this out. However
nobody has claimed that adding a sound card makes it a different
PC. I'm not sure what you mean by "closure."

 

[Leythos]

What is the notion "same PC"? PC is a set of components. Does it mean I
event cannot change a closure or add a sound card?

Why not take a couple minutes and search the MS site for Product
Activation and learn how it really works?

 

[Leythos]

While what Malke says is true about activation for Windows XP, it is not
true for Office 2003 or later and Tim T. seemed to me to be talking about
activation for Microsoft products in general.

You can activate MS Office 2003, SBE or Prof, several times on the same
machines, and in fact, you can install it on a laptop and a desktop
(with certain restrictions) using the same key.

I've reinstalled Office 2003 many times using the same key, and under
120 days, and only had to call a couple times - always got a new key
after talking to the MS person.

 

[Galen]

In Leythos <[email protected]> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

You can activate MS Office 2003, SBE or Prof, several times on the
same machines, and in fact, you can install it on a laptop and a
desktop (with certain restrictions) using the same key.

I've reinstalled Office 2003 many times using the same key, and under
120 days, and only had to call a couple times - always got a new key
after talking to the MS person.

--

I can confirm that. I don't KNOW of any activation limit with Office 2k3 nor
any other Office product. I have one copy (I lose CDs and keys often) that I
can assure you I've installed too many times to count when the PCs that it
was on crashed. If there's a number of times that Office can be activated
and it's a limited amount there's something wrong with their system because
I've never even had to call.

Galen
--

"And that recommendation, with the exaggerated estimate of my ability
with which he prefaced it, was, if you will believe me, Watson, the
very first thing which ever made me feel that a profession might be
made out of what had up to that time been the merest hobby."

Sherlock Holmes

 

[Lil' Dave]

In


Exactly what constitutes the "same PC" is a frequent bone of
contention, and Microsoft's EULA does not spell this out. However
nobody has claimed that adding a sound card makes it a different
PC. I'm not sure what you mean by "closure."

My immediate impression upon reading the reply was "closure" is enclosure.
Enclosure is the common term for the PC case.

Don't know why this was even mentioned as enclosures are not detectible
hardware, nor do they participate in any internal function of the PC.