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

[bonio]

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.)"

But what about this scenario:

I buy a blank whitebox PC and a retail copy of XP Pro.

I install XP Pro on the PC and activate it on the Internet.

A few weeks later, I buy a new blank whitebox PC.

I decide to wipe my copy of XP Pro off the first PC and install it on
the new one.

So now I have one copy of XP Pro installed on one machine - which is
perfectly OK according to the EULA.

However, if I try to activate the new install over the Internet, it will
fail because my copy of XP Pro is already activated on the old PC.

Now, if it's true that all I need to provide is the installation ID to
activate Windows over the phone, then presumably I'm under no obligation
to explain why I'm activating XP on another machine?

Now suppose I didn't wipe XP off the first machine. What's to stop me
from doing this and thus defeating the whole purpose of activation?

 

[Alias]

But what about this scenario:

I buy a blank whitebox PC and a retail copy of XP Pro.

I install XP Pro on the PC and activate it on the Internet.

A few weeks later, I buy a new blank whitebox PC.

I decide to wipe my copy of XP Pro off the first PC and install it on
the new one.

So now I have one copy of XP Pro installed on one machine - which is
perfectly OK according to the EULA.

However, if I try to activate the new install over the Internet, it will
fail because my copy of XP Pro is already activated on the old PC.

Now, if it's true that all I need to provide is the installation ID to
activate Windows over the phone, then presumably I'm under no obligation
to explain why I'm activating XP on another machine?

Now suppose I didn't wipe XP off the first machine. What's to stop me
from doing this and thus defeating the whole purpose of activation?

Nothing, but the MS sychophants here will call you a thief.

Alias

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

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

This is a peer support newsgroup and is not officially monitored by MSFT.
There is the occasional MSFT response, but they are posting on their free
time in a non-official status.
But did you really care, since you didn't bother to reply to any of the
viable replies you received.
You can install retail XP on the same hardware or new hardware as many times
as you want, all you need to do if prompted by a message it has been
installed too many times is to follow the on screen prompts and activated by
phone. Explain you have reinstalled XP in accordance with the EULA. Retail
XP has no restrictions on the number of times it can be installed as long as
it is installed to one computer at a time. The highly discounted OEM
versions have restrictions limiting transfer and the ability to only clean
install as would be expected of software half the cost of the unrestricted
retail versions.

Check the links below for more insight on the activation process.
How do I deactivate, move to another computer or sell a previously activated
XP?
#06 on the FAQ list
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xpfaq.html
OEM clarification.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

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.

It can still be activated, because of the unusual pattern of frequent
activations, it was flagged for phone acttivation. It is still unlimited as
long as you are installing the retail version one time per Produict Key.

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Michael Stevens]

In

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."

Actually on many OEM PC's with restore only disks, changing any hardware
component will render the restore media useless. eMachines are the best
example of this behavior with OEM restore media. The System would need to be
restored to it's original hardware configuration and then the hardware could
be upgraded as well as the OS and other software. The reasoning for the OEM
is to reduce costs incurred from support. If the system is modified from
the shipped state it is no longer supported and the use of the restore disks
will restore the computer to the original shipped state.

--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[kurttrail]

I wish I were.

So you are just a sycophant.

"I can't see why anyone would blame Microsoft too much for providing
some protection to their intellectual property."

You can't see why someone having a problem using a copy of copy-protect
software would blame MS for the problem? Are you INSANE? The
"protection" doesn't work, as the only people that have to deal with it
are the paying customer. The pirates easily get around this so-called
protection.

--
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]

This isn't a socio-political thing for me. If you dislike Microsoft choose
another software company. Unlike many would have you believe, there is
competition on the platform, lots of it, therefore plenty of competing
operating systems you can obtain to run you x86/64 computer(s).

Now that you know, I guess you won't be posting here any more. So, Bye.

 

[Alias]

This isn't a socio-political thing for me. If you dislike Microsoft choose
another software company.

There aren't any for an OS that you don't need to be a computer tech to
understand. Therefore, MS has a monopoly.

Unlike many would have you believe, there is
competition on the platform, lots of it, therefore plenty of competing
operating systems you can obtain to run you x86/64 computer(s).

No, there isn't. 99% of computer users cannot install Linux without
problems. Few can afford a Mac.

Now that you know, I guess you won't be posting here any more. So, Bye.

Yes, he will.

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

There aren't any for an OS that you don't need to be a computer tech to
understand. Therefore, MS has a monopoly.

Never heard of Apple?






--

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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

But what about this scenario:

I buy a blank whitebox PC and a retail copy of XP Pro.

I install XP Pro on the PC and activate it on the Internet.

A few weeks later, I buy a new blank whitebox PC.

I decide to wipe my copy of XP Pro off the first PC and install it on
the new one.

So now I have one copy of XP Pro installed on one machine - which is
perfectly OK according to the EULA.

However, if I try to activate the new install over the Internet, it will
fail because my copy of XP Pro is already activated on the old PC.

Now, if it's true that all I need to provide is the installation ID to
activate Windows over the phone, then presumably I'm under no obligation
to explain why I'm activating XP on another machine?

Now suppose I didn't wipe XP off the first machine. What's to stop me
from doing this and thus defeating the whole purpose of activation?

Nothing but your own integrity.

--

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

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Alias

If you don't like the accolade, don't commit the crime..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User







Nothing, but the MS sychophants here will call you a thief.

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

 

[Alias]

Never heard of Apple?

I wrote and you snipped:

"Few can afford a Mac."

Alias

 

[Alias]

Alias

If you don't like the accolade, don't commit the crime..

I haven't committed any crime.

1. Copyright infringement is not a criminal act.

2. All my computers have original Windows XP on them. That doesn't mean
I am happy with that nor that I won't speak up against it.

Alias

 

[kurttrail]

This isn't a socio-political thing for me.

LOL! Sure it is. You were the one that said, "I can't see why anyone
would blame Microsoft too much for providing some protection to their
intellectual property."

Which started this sub-thread.

If you can't understand you fellow human beings point of view that have
problems with PA, and can only sympathize with MS wanting to protect its
copy-righted material from that that were LEGALLY sold a copy of it it,
then you are putting forward your socio-political opinion.

You are basically siding with the rights of the corporation OVER the
rights of the individual.

If you dislike Microsoft
choose another software company.

MS is a predatory monopoly. No other companies OS will run on my
computer, and believe me, I've tried!

Unlike many would have you believe,
there is competition on the platform, lots of it, therefore plenty of
competing operating systems you can obtain to run you x86/64
computer(s).

Really? Linux is mainly a server OS, on the desktop PC is still has a
way to go. OSX won't run on IBM-compatible PCs.

There really is no competion in the Consumer multi-media PC arena.

Now that you know, I guess you won't be posting here any more. So,
Bye.

You leaving so soon?

Don't let the virtual door slam you on your ass on the way out!


--
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"

 

[kurttrail]

Never heard of Apple?

OSX runs on Wintel PCs?

--
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"

 

[kurttrail]

Alias

If you don't like the accolade, don't commit the crime..

What crime? There is no "CRIME" involved in installing software on more
than one PC for one's private non-commercial use.

Please show what you are basing calling this a "CRIME!"

--
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"

 

[kurttrail]

Nothing but your own integrity.

My integrity would tell my there is nothing wrong with "fairly using" my
copy of software.

Just like the religious use there moral values to denegrate
homosexuality, you use your "corporate rights outweigh an individuals
rights" values to denegrate those that believe in "fair use."

Your "religion" of the almighty corporation is what is really lacking in
integrity, as supposedly you are a human being, not a corporation.

--
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"

 

[Bruce Chambers]

My integrity would tell my there is nothing wrong with "fairly using" my
copy of software.

Your "integrity" tells you that it's fine to renege upon an agreement
into which you've freely and voluntarily entered? I'm glad I will never
have to do business with you. Does your mortgage company know that you
feel this way about contracts? And don't try throw "fair use" into the
discussion; it's not even relevant.

Just like the religious use there moral values to denegrate
homosexuality, you use your "corporate rights outweigh an individuals
rights" values to denegrate those that believe in "fair use."

I've never claimed that "corporate rights outweigh an individual's
rights." Why are you trying to change the subject? Can't you ever
stick to the point, instead of arguing semantics or throwing up weak
straw-man arguments? Again, "fair use" doesn't come into play. The
EULA in no way interferes with "fair use," as it is defined by law.
(But you already know that, and just use the term in another lame
attempt to change the subject.)


--

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

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Lighten up guys..

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
for other uses please see Crime (disambiguation)

"A crime in a broad sense is an act that violates a political or moral law.
In the narrow sense, a crime is a violation of the criminal law. For
example, most traffic violations or breach of contracts are not crimes in a
legal sense."

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User

 

[NoStop]

Stephen wrote:

This small group within the MickeyMouse Club would rather spread FUD than
admit there are viable alternatives right now.

There aren't any for an OS that you don't need to be a computer tech to
understand. Therefore, MS has a monopoly.

I challenge anyone but a "computer tech" to *understand* XP. And, again,
you're wrong. M$'s monopoly has little to do with ease of use, but much to
do with its predatory marketing machine.

No, there isn't. 99% of computer users cannot install Linux without
problems. Few can afford a Mac.

This is pure bullshit and you're full of it. Many Linux distros are much
easier to install than installing XP and once installed work without all
the problems one finds in running XP.