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

[Mtimerding]

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

I have to agree with Tim T, and disagree with all the replies to his
post .... I too have run into the 'activation limit' as well, Not on one,
but
three different computers I own, 3 different vendors, with 3 different
copies of Windows XP. (2 have HOME on them, and this machine has
PRO) ... As I am retired, and disabled, and thus have nothing better to
to but play around on these computers and try different things, and as
I usually screw up whatever it is I am trying, I tend to just format, reload
Windows, and all my applications (until I blow it again) and reformat, start
all over ....(Currently on my 5th system, in the last 7 years) ... and three
times now, I have run into the 'Exceeded number of allowed activations on
this copy of Windows' message when trying to activate. This last time,
there was no phone number given or opportunity to activate via a different
method. It just popped up a window telling me to enter a Product key from
another/different copy of windows xp, and no other options. Fortunately, for

me I had another (legal) copy of Windows XP Pro laying here, not being used
.... so I just formatted again, reinstalled using that copy, and activated
it. But,
in this case, it was the copy of XP that came with this Alienware computer
that
would not activate again. (But, it had activated at least 5 times since I
got this
computer 2 years ago) In fact, I had just reactivated it two weeks ago,
before
having to reformat again a week later.

Before this, it occured on a Micron computer, with it's OEM windows cd.

I also have a DELL system, with its copy of XP home downstairs for the
kid to use.

It seems to me, that the 'to many activations' message pops up, when
trying to activate it somewhere around 3 times in a two week period.

I am not arguing it is right or wrong, or bashing Microsoft for it's WPA,
but I am just disagreeing with the MANY people who post on this group
and others that there is NO limit to activating on the same system, with
OEM or Retail.

Because I know for a fact, as the original poster learned, THERE MOST
DEFINATELY IS A LIMIT. (maybe it is imposed on what OEM you got your
XP from, I don't know ...but the fact that it happened to me on 3 different
machines from 3 different vendors tells me it apparently isnt all that
rare.)

 

[kurttrail]

I have to agree with Tim T, and disagree with all the replies to
his post .... I too have run into the 'activation limit' as well, Not
on one, but
three different computers I own, 3 different vendors, with 3 different
copies of Windows XP. (2 have HOME on them, and this machine has
PRO) ... As I am retired, and disabled, and thus have nothing better
to
to but play around on these computers and try different things, and as
I usually screw up whatever it is I am trying, I tend to just format,
reload Windows, and all my applications (until I blow it again) and
reformat, start all over ....(Currently on my 5th system, in the last
7 years) ... and three times now, I have run into the 'Exceeded
number of allowed activations on this copy of Windows' message when
trying to activate. This last time, there was no phone number given
or opportunity to activate via a different method. It just popped up
a window telling me to enter a Product key from another/different
copy of windows xp, and no other options. Fortunately, for

me I had another (legal) copy of Windows XP Pro laying here, not
being used ... so I just formatted again, reinstalled using that
copy, and activated it. But,
in this case, it was the copy of XP that came with this Alienware
computer that
would not activate again. (But, it had activated at least 5 times
since I got this
computer 2 years ago) In fact, I had just reactivated it two weeks
ago, before
having to reformat again a week later.

Before this, it occured on a Micron computer, with it's OEM windows
cd.

I also have a DELL system, with its copy of XP home downstairs for
the
kid to use.

It seems to me, that the 'to many activations' message pops up, when
trying to activate it somewhere around 3 times in a two week period.

I am not arguing it is right or wrong, or bashing Microsoft for
it's WPA, but I am just disagreeing with the MANY people who post on
this group
and others that there is NO limit to activating on the same system,
with OEM or Retail.

Because I know for a fact, as the original poster learned, THERE
MOST DEFINATELY IS A LIMIT. (maybe it is imposed on what OEM you got
your
XP from, I don't know ...but the fact that it happened to me on 3
different machines from 3 different vendors tells me it apparently
isnt all that rare.)

There is no limit. The wording of the message is just fallacious. And
Dell systems are BIOS-Locked, so unless you change the mobo, or flashed
with a non-Dell BIOS you should never need to activate it.

I'm not one to give MS any slack over PA, but it should like you got
something else going on, virus, or virus-like, maybe.

What were you doing to get these computers to ask for activation?

--
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"

 

[Leythos]

There is no limit. The wording of the message is just fallacious. And
Dell systems are BIOS-Locked, so unless you change the mobo, or flashed
with a non-Dell BIOS you should never need to activate it.

I've got a lot of Dell machines, the OEM installed OS doesn't require
activation, but, if you take the Windows XP CD that ships with them,
wipe the drive and do a new install, you will be asked to activate. I've
seen this on Dell 2400 and 8100 and 1100 series machines. In fact, I
just restored a laptop with a new drive (the old HD died) and used the
included Dell CD and had to activate it, which worked fine.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

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

I have to agree with Tim T, and disagree with all the replies to
his post .... I too have run into the 'activation limit' as well, Not
on one, but > three different computers I own, 3 different vendors,
with 3 different copies of Windows XP. (2 have HOME on them, and
this machine has PRO) ... As I am retired, and disabled, and thus
have nothing better to do but play around on these computers and
try different things, and as I usually screw up whatever it is I am
trying, I tend to just format, reload Windows, and all my
applications (until I blow it again) and reformat, start all over
....(Currently on my 5th system, in the last 7 years) ... and three
times now, I have run into the 'Exceeded number of allowed
activations on this copy of Windows' message when trying to
activate. This last time, there was no phone
number given or opportunity to activate via a different method. It
just popped up a window telling me to enter a Product key from
another/different copy of windows xp, and no other options.
Fortunately, for me I had another (legal) copy of Windows XP Pro
laying here, not being used ... so I just formatted again, reinstalled
using that copy, and activated it. But,
in this case, it was the copy of XP that came with this Alienware
computer that would not activate again. (But, it had activated at
least 5 times since I got this computer 2 years ago) In fact, I had
just reactivated it two weeks ago, before having to reformat again
week later.

Before this, it occured on a Micron computer, with it's OEM windows
cd.

I also have a DELL system, with its copy of XP home downstairs for
the kid to use.

It seems to me, that the 'toomany activations' message pops up,
when trying to activate it somewhere around 3 times in a two week
period.
I am not arguing it is right or wrong, or bashing Microsoft for
it's WPA, but I am just disagreeing with the MANY people who post on
this group and others that there is NO limit to activating on the same
system, with OEM or Retail.

Because I know for a fact, as the original poster learned, THERE
MOST DEFINATELY IS A LIMIT. (maybe it is imposed on what OEM you got
your XP from, I don't know ...but the fact that it happened to me on 3
different machines from 3 different vendors tells me it apparently
isnt all that rare.)

There is no limit. The wording of the message is just fallacious. And
Dell systems are BIOS-Locked, so unless you change the mobo, or
flashed with a non-Dell BIOS you should never need to activate it.

I'm not one to give MS any slack over PA, but it should like you got
something else going on, virus, or virus-like, maybe.

What were you doing to get these computers to ask for activation?

There is no limit to number of activations of a licensed copy of Windows XP.
None.

Yes, there is a 120 day limit in Internet Activations.. Meaning you may have
to make a phone call to reactivate instead of being able to do it
automagically over the Internet *if* you had previously activated and now
are reinstalling/attempting to activate in less than 120 days. (There may
even be a 3 times in 90 days limit in there too, but that is resolved with
the same phone call and only limits automagic Internet activation.)

So.. Tim T. - No limit in number of times you can reactivate.

Mtimerding - No limit in number of times you can reactivate and invest in
some imaging software and an external hard drive to use for the images.
Speed up those frequent reinstalls. Listen to Kurt.. He's the last one to
give Microsoft slack. heh

 

[Stephen]

A copy of my WinXP Home got caught up in an "number of times" Internet
activation limit. It isn't a virus .. it's some routine in WPA. I don't know
what triggers it .. someone suggests some sort of 'three times in 90 days'.
I wonder if they have a button at Microsoft, because for one copy of mine
which quickly reached that limit I phoned in. Thereafter, I could activate
over the Internet like there was no tomorrow as if some magic button had
been pushed in their database for my product key .

I don't think WPA is 'simple'. I think the software has a few complications
built in... or bugs!

No, I'm not pirating, I was tinkering alot, reinstalling a heck of a lot.

 

[kurttrail]

A copy of my WinXP Home got caught up in an "number of times" Internet
activation limit.

The message that pops up is a horribly written message. I personally
think it is done on purpose, but there really is no limit to the number
of times you can activate.

It isn't a virus .. it's some routine in WPA.

Not a virus, then maybe you got a flakey BIOS, or hardware that is on
the blink.

I
don't know what triggers it .. someone suggests some sort of 'three
times in 90 days'.
FUD.

I wonder if they have a button at Microsoft,
because for one copy of mine which quickly reached that limit I
phoned in. Thereafter, I could activate over the Internet like there
was no tomorrow as if some magic button had been pushed in their
database for my product key .

I don't think WPA is 'simple'. I think the software has a few
complications built in... or bugs!

Certainly aren't quoting me. I don't think activation is simple. It is
a pain in the ass. It can be buggy and flakey, but there really is no
limit to the number of times you can activate. You may have to phone up
MS to activate, and that is a pain in the ass, but there is no limit to
the amount of times you can do that either.

No, I'm not pirating, I was tinkering alot, reinstalling a heck of a
lot.

And I know how that is, and as long as you paid for you copies there
really is little legal problem for you to circumvent PA for your own
"fair use."

There are ways around PA, and in your boat I'd avail myself of that
option.

--
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"

 

[Donald McDaniel]

I have to agree with Tim T, and disagree with all the replies to his
post .... I too have run into the 'activation limit' as well, Not on one,
but
three different computers I own, 3 different vendors, with 3 different
copies of Windows XP. (2 have HOME on them, and this machine has
PRO) ... As I am retired, and disabled, and thus have nothing better to
to but play around on these computers and try different things, and as
I usually screw up whatever it is I am trying, I tend to just format, reload
Windows, and all my applications (until I blow it again) and reformat, start
all over ....(Currently on my 5th system, in the last 7 years) ... and three
times now, I have run into the 'Exceeded number of allowed activations on
this copy of Windows' message when trying to activate.

You will almost only get this error IF the CD key used to install XP
on that machine was used previously on ANOTHER machine and that
installation was activated. I have installed and activated both
Retail Upgrade CDs and so-called "FULL OEM" CDs many, many times,
sometimes in the same day.. But I have NEVER been denied an
activation of the installation.

This last time,
there was no phone number given or opportunity to activate via a different
method. It just popped up a window telling me to enter a Product key from
another/different copy of windows xp, and no other options. Fortunately, for

me I had another (legal) copy of Windows XP Pro laying here, not being used
... so I just formatted again, reinstalled using that copy, and activated
it. But,
in this case, it was the copy of XP that came with this Alienware computer
that
would not activate again. (But, it had activated at least 5 times since I
got this
computer 2 years ago) In fact, I had just reactivated it two weeks ago,
before
having to reformat again a week later.

Before this, it occured on a Micron computer, with it's OEM windows cd.

I also have a DELL system, with its copy of XP home downstairs for the
kid to use.

It seems to me, that the 'to many activations' message pops up, when
trying to activate it somewhere around 3 times in a two week period.

I am not arguing it is right or wrong, or bashing Microsoft for it's WPA,
but I am just disagreeing with the MANY people who post on this group
and others that there is NO limit to activating on the same system, with
OEM or Retail.

Disagree all you want. But you won't change the facts of Activation:
Under the conditions of the XP EULA, you will ALWAYS be allowed an
activation IF the CD key is used according to the EULA. You won't
always be allowed an Internet activation, but you will ALWAYS be
allowed an activation via the phone, IF you have kept the terms of the
EULA.

Because I know for a fact, as the original poster learned, THERE MOST
DEFINATELY IS A LIMIT. (maybe it is imposed on what OEM you got your
XP from, I don't know ...but the fact that it happened to me on 3 different
machines from 3 different vendors tells me it apparently isnt all that
rare.)

IF you were unable to activate via the phone, it is because you
MISUSED one or more CD keys, or one or more CD keys were illegitimate.

More probably, you used one CD key to install and activate on one
machine, then used the same CD key to install and attempt to activate
on a second one. Under those circumstances, you will get the error.


Donald L McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread
so that others may be instructed or informed
============================================

 

[kurttrail]

You will almost only get this error IF the CD key used to install XP
on that machine was used previously on ANOTHER machine and that
installation was activated. I have installed and activated both
Retail Upgrade CDs and so-called "FULL OEM" CDs many, many times,
sometimes in the same day.. But I have NEVER been denied an
activation of the installation.


Disagree all you want. But you won't change the facts of Activation:
Under the conditions of the XP EULA, you will ALWAYS be allowed an
activation IF the CD key is used according to the EULA. You won't
always be allowed an Internet activation, but you will ALWAYS be
allowed an activation via the phone, IF you have kept the terms of the
EULA.


IF you were unable to activate via the phone, it is because you
MISUSED one or more CD keys, or one or more CD keys were illegitimate.

More probably, you used one CD key to install and activate on one
machine, then used the same CD key to install and attempt to activate
on a second one. Under those circumstances, you will get the error.


Donald L McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread
so that others may be instructed or informed
============================================

MS has no idea what actual computer XP is installed on. They only way
they know something has be "misused" is if you tell them.

--
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"

 

[Donald McDaniel]

MS has no idea what actual computer XP is installed on. They only way
they know something has be "misused" is if you tell them.

Microsoft CAN tell if a particular CD key has been previously used to
activate the OS, obviously. Many of these errors are being caused by
the users themselves, when they install the OS using a single CD key
on more than one machine, which almost always returns the "Installed
too many times" error, and which would keep them from activating one
or more of the multiple installations via the Internet.

It seems that many of the complaints of not being able to activate via
the Internet after receiving the "Too many times..." error happen with
those who have more than one machine, and who attempt to install XP on
2 or more of the machines using the same CD key.

So Microsoft CAN detect INDIRECTLY if a CD key is being abused (either
intentionally or through ignorance or misunderstanding of the EULA).
Microsoft just can't detect the MOTIVES of those who apparently misuse
their CD keys.

Let's face it: Microsoft absolutely NEEDS to start putting the EULA on
the OUTSIDE PACKAGING in an EASILY-READABLE typeface. If they do,
they will have fewer people running up against the walls of the
Windows Activation mechanism, because more people will understand the
limitations of their licenses BEFORE attempting to install the OS.


Donald L McDaniel
Please reply to the original thread
so that others may be instructed or informed
============================================

 

[Alias]

Microsoft CAN tell if a particular CD key has been previously used to
activate the OS, obviously. Many of these errors are being caused by
the users themselves, when they install the OS using a single CD key
on more than one machine, which almost always returns the "Installed
too many times" error, and which would keep them from activating one
or more of the multiple installations via the Internet.

It seems that many of the complaints of not being able to activate via
the Internet after receiving the "Too many times..." error happen with
those who have more than one machine, and who attempt to install XP on
2 or more of the machines using the same CD key.

So Microsoft CAN detect INDIRECTLY if a CD key is being abused (either
intentionally or through ignorance or misunderstanding of the EULA).
Microsoft just can't detect the MOTIVES of those who apparently misuse
their CD keys.

Let's face it: Microsoft absolutely NEEDS to start putting the EULA on
the OUTSIDE PACKAGING in an EASILY-READABLE typeface. If they do,
they will have fewer people running up against the walls of the
Windows Activation mechanism, because more people will understand the
limitations of their licenses BEFORE attempting to install the OS.


Donald L McDaniel

Not only that, people would be able to read the EULA before making a non
refundable purchase. That said, activation only affects paying customers and
should be abolished.

Alias

 

[kurttrail]

Microsoft CAN tell if a particular CD key has been previously used to
activate the OS, obviously.

No the can tell when a specific Product Key has been previousl
activated. That in NO WAY means that that PK was used on a totally
different computer.

When you activate you send to MS an Installation ID. The Installation
ID is unique to each product and comprises two components:
1.) Product ID. Unique to the product key used during installation
2.) Hardware hash. Non-unique representation of the PC

Not only is the hardware hash value is a nonunique representation of the
PC on which the software was installed. It also has no direct
correlation to the PC and cannot be backward-calculated to figure what
actual hardware the PK has been used with.

Many of these errors are being caused by
the users themselves, when they install the OS using a single CD key
on more than one machine, which almost always returns the "Installed
too many times" error, and which would keep them from activating one
or more of the multiple installations via the Internet.

As long as it has been less than 120 days since XP was last activated.
And then all one has to do is phone up MS and explain the a hardware
upgrade necessitated the reactivation.

It seems that many of the complaints of not being able to activate via
the Internet after receiving the "Too many times..." error happen with
those who have more than one machine, and who attempt to install XP on
2 or more of the machines using the same CD key.

I doesn't seem that way to me. To me it is people that are continually
changing components in their PCs that see this message the most.

So Microsoft CAN detect INDIRECTLY if a CD key is being abused (either
intentionally or through ignorance or misunderstanding of the EULA).

By guess work only! MS cannot tell what hardware XP is actually
installed on. All PA tells them is that enough hardware has changed to
require phone activation.

Unless Microsoft is lying. Are you suggesting that MS is lying?

Microsoft just can't detect the MOTIVES of those who apparently misuse
their CD keys.

They cannot detect misuse, unless the person on the phone tells them.
UNLESS MS IS LYING ABOUT HOW PA WORKS! DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT MS
IS LYING?

Let's face it: Microsoft absolutely NEEDS to start putting the EULA on
the OUTSIDE PACKAGING in an EASILY-READABLE typeface.

No, they got to start acknowledging that their EULA is a commercial use
contact, and the for private non-commercial use in the home they really
have no business knowing how software is being use, let alone dictating
actual usage terms!

If they do,
they will have fewer people running up against the walls of the
Windows Activation mechanism, because more people will understand the
limitations of their licenses BEFORE attempting to install the OS.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Copy-protection is just a waste of time. It mostly stops legitimate
use, not illicit use.

--
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]

Well, in another thread I suggest a change in BIOS settings might somehow
trigger a WPA event.

There is definitely a WPA message that one has exceeded how many times one
may activate. Perhaps you have not seen it but it is there. It is not a
virus, and people, including me, have experienced it. I realize it is a
bogus message as far as actual activation .. but it does block further
attempts at activating over the Internet. A phone call, of course, 'fixes'
it.

In other words, I don't know how it works but I know what I saw and it told
me I had exceeded my numerical limit. These guys aren't saying it happened
for nothing - they actually got that message.

Yes, there are ways around WPA. For instance one can get MSDN copies of
Windows through a subscription. Since I program now I got a MSDN
Professional subscription. You can get an MSDN Operating Systems
subscription for less than the Pro - and although you don't get all the
Visual Studio stuff, for some people that doesn't matter. Plus you get
access to all sorts of Microsoft operating systems:

e.g. Win98SE/Millennium Win2000 - checked uncheck with and without SP4,
Pro, Server, Enterprise etc. WinXPH/P checked and unchecked builds with and
with service packs, all sorts of languages, WinXPMedia, WinXPTablet, all the
Server 2003 stuff [save Data Centre and Small Business] both checked and
unchecked builds, service packs and no service packs, Standard, Enterprise,
Web, in various languages, and so on and on .. tons of "stuff".

I use Server 2003 std. SP1 as my desktop. These copies have endless
activation on innumberable machines. And the grace persiod is sixty days.
The licence says you cannot spread it around - these are for your own use as
you do your business testing etc. You can't give them away else you'd be in
copyright offence. And remember the product keys are tied to an account and
mailing address. But it is absolutely great for someone who tinkers with
Windows. For the cost of server you get it all.

 

[kurttrail]

Well, in another thread I suggest a change in BIOS settings might
somehow trigger a WPA event.

Yep, and sometimes driver changes too.

There is definitely a WPA message that one has exceeded how many
times one may activate.

"The message that pops up is a horribly written message. I personally
think it is done on purpose, but there really is no limit to the number
of times you can activate."

Perhaps you have not seen it but it is there.

How many times do I have to repeat myself? Can you quote me saying the
message doesn't exist?

THE MESSAGE IS WRONG! DECEPTIVE! ERRONEOUS! FALLACIOUS!

It is not a virus, and people, including me, have experienced it.

I said that to one person, as a possiblility.

I
realize it is a bogus message as far as actual activation .. but it
does block further attempts at activating over the Internet. A phone
call, of course, 'fixes' it.

In other words, I don't know how it works but I know what I saw and
it told me I had exceeded my numerical limit. These guys aren't
saying it happened for nothing - they actually got that message.

I understand that, and even some of the most fervent pro-PA MVPs in this
group would agree that the message does exist, but is very poorly
written, and doesn't accurately reflect MS's PA policy.

The message should read something like "You have installed this copy on
a computer that has substantially different hardware than your previous
activation. Please call 800-555-5555 to explain this difference and
activate by phone."

My personal opinion is that MS has left the message with its deceptive
word to get the uneducated consumer to buy another copy of software. I
can't prove this FRAUD, but I suspect it because this wording has been a
part of WIN XP since before it was released to the public, and MS knows
its misleading at best and has had 2 subsequent Service Packs to reword
it, and hasn't.

It is my opinion that this fraudulent behavior is nothing new to MS. It
is a proven predatory monopoly and a proven patent and copyright
infringer.

MS is not to be trusted.

Yes, there are ways around WPA. For instance one can get MSDN copies
of Windows through a subscription. Since I program now I got a MSDN
Professional subscription. You can get an MSDN Operating Systems
subscription for less than the Pro - and although you don't get all
the Visual Studio stuff, for some people that doesn't matter. Plus
you get access to all sorts of Microsoft operating systems:

e.g. Win98SE/Millennium Win2000 - checked uncheck with and without
SP4, Pro, Server, Enterprise etc. WinXPH/P checked and unchecked
builds with and with service packs, all sorts of languages,
WinXPMedia, WinXPTablet, all the Server 2003 stuff [save Data Centre
and Small Business] both checked and unchecked builds, service packs
and no service packs, Standard, Enterprise, Web, in various
languages, and so on and on .. tons of "stuff".

I use Server 2003 std. SP1 as my desktop. These copies have endless
activation on innumberable machines. And the grace persiod is sixty
days. The licence says you cannot spread it around - these are for
your own use as you do your business testing etc. You can't give them
away else you'd be in copyright offence. And remember the product
keys are tied to an account and mailing address. But it is absolutely
great for someone who tinkers with Windows. For the cost of server
you get it all.

--
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"

 

[Steve N.]

Yep, and sometimes driver changes too.




"The message that pops up is a horribly written message. I personally
think it is done on purpose, but there really is no limit to the number
of times you can activate."




How many times do I have to repeat myself? Can you quote me saying the
message doesn't exist?

THE MESSAGE IS WRONG! DECEPTIVE! ERRONEOUS! FALLACIOUS!




I said that to one person, as a possiblility.




I understand that, and even some of the most fervent pro-PA MVPs in this
group would agree that the message does exist, but is very poorly
written, and doesn't accurately reflect MS's PA policy.

The message should read something like "You have installed this copy on
a computer that has substantially different hardware than your previous
activation. Please call 800-555-5555 to explain this difference and
activate by phone."

My personal opinion is that MS has left the message with its deceptive
word to get the uneducated consumer to buy another copy of software. I
can't prove this FRAUD, but I suspect it because this wording has been a
part of WIN XP since before it was released to the public, and MS knows
its misleading at best and has had 2 subsequent Service Packs to reword
it, and hasn't.

Three, if you count SP1, SP1a and SP2. Interestingly they chose to
change the startup splash screen from displaying Windows xp Professional
and Windows xp Home to just Windows xp with SP2. What is the purpose in
that? Why would they go to the trouble of changing that and not
something more meaningful and so potentially misleading, such as the
"installed too many times" horsecrap message?

BTW & FWIW, I have very recently installed OEM Pro SP1 and SP2 on the
same exact hardware using the same OEM key no less than six times in
less than a week and it has never failed to activate online. However,
some months back I installed using the same key and installation media
on the same hardware, replaced the HDD and did a clean install within
two weeks and got the "installed too many times" horsecrap message, shut
down, went to bed, started up in the morning and it activate online with
no problem.

It is my opinion that this fraudulent behavior is nothing new to MS.
It
is a proven predatory monopoly and a proven patent and copyright
infringer.

Monopoly, yes, but patent and copyright infringement suits were settled
out of court as I recall.

MS is not to be trusted.

Maybe not, but WPA is definitely not to be trusted. You'd think that the
maker of the world's most used software would be able to make their
stinking WPA technology more consitent, reliable and accurate.

Steve

Yes, there are ways around WPA. For instance one can get MSDN copies
of Windows through a subscription. Since I program now I got a MSDN
Professional subscription. You can get an MSDN Operating Systems
subscription for less than the Pro - and although you don't get all
the Visual Studio stuff, for some people that doesn't matter. Plus
you get access to all sorts of Microsoft operating systems:

e.g. Win98SE/Millennium Win2000 - checked uncheck with and without
SP4, Pro, Server, Enterprise etc. WinXPH/P checked and unchecked
builds with and with service packs, all sorts of languages,
WinXPMedia, WinXPTablet, all the Server 2003 stuff [save Data Centre
and Small Business] both checked and unchecked builds, service packs
and no service packs, Standard, Enterprise, Web, in various
languages, and so on and on .. tons of "stuff".

I use Server 2003 std. SP1 as my desktop. These copies have endless
activation on innumberable machines. And the grace persiod is sixty
days. The licence says you cannot spread it around - these are for
your own use as you do your business testing etc. You can't give them
away else you'd be in copyright offence. And remember the product
keys are tied to an account and mailing address. But it is absolutely
great for someone who tinkers with Windows. For the cost of server
you get it all.

 

[kurttrail]

Three, if you count SP1, SP1a and SP2. Interestingly they chose to
change the startup splash screen from displaying Windows xp
Professional and Windows xp Home to just Windows xp with SP2. What is
the purpose in that? Why would they go to the trouble of changing
that and not something more meaningful and so potentially misleading,
such as the "installed too many times" horsecrap message?

BTW & FWIW, I have very recently installed OEM Pro SP1 and SP2 on the
same exact hardware using the same OEM key no less than six times in
less than a week and it has never failed to activate online. However,
some months back I installed using the same key and installation media
on the same hardware, replaced the HDD and did a clean install within
two weeks and got the "installed too many times" horsecrap message,
shut down, went to bed, started up in the morning and it activate
online with no problem.


Monopoly, yes, but patent and copyright infringement suits were
settled out of court as I recall.

http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/11/14/HNorder_1.html

And the Eolas case is still in appeal, but the did lose that.

As for copyright infringement, I haven't found it yet but I'm fairly
certain they have lost at least one case.

Maybe not, but WPA is definitely not to be trusted. You'd think that
the maker of the world's most used software would be able to make
their stinking WPA technology more consitent, reliable and accurate.

Steve

Its like the Auto Industry is capable of building a car that will run
for a million miles, but why should they if you are willing to by a new
one every 100,000 miles.

--
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"

 

[Steve N.]

http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/11/14/HNorder_1.html

Got it. Yep, patent infringement. I forgot about that. 62 Megabucks!

And the Eolas case is still in appeal, but the did lose that.

I don't recall that one.

As for copyright infringement, I haven't found it yet but I'm fairly
certain they have lost at least one case.

I'm fuzzy on it too.

Its like the Auto Industry is capable of building a car that will run
for a million miles, but why should they if you are willing to by a new
one every 100,000 miles.

Hell, I can't afford to but a car that doesn't have at *least* 100,000
miles on it!

LOL!

Steve

 

[Gerhard Fiedler]

You'd think that the maker of the world's most used software would be
able to make their stinking WPA technology more consitent, reliable and
accurate.

Consistency, reliability and accuracy were never strongholds of Microsoft
products. They're in the market because of other qualities (that appeal
more to the general public).

Gerhard

 

[kurttrail]

Consistency, reliability and accuracy were never strongholds of
Microsoft products. They're in the market because of other qualities
(that appeal more to the general public).

Gerhard

Yeah. Like being pre-installed of the overwhelming majority of OEM
computers!

--
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"

 

[Gerhard Fiedler]

Yeah. Like being pre-installed of the overwhelming majority of OEM
computers!

I see that more of a consequence. I'm old enough to remember the time when
MS Office was not the only contender on the market, and most computer
outlets offered a choice of similar packages for pre-installation -- with
MS not having been the cheapest one, AFAIR. Yet most people chose MS
Office, it seems. Which then made the other commercial office suites
disappear slowly (and therefore MS Office the one single choice for
pre-installation).

Somehow they managed to create that "you can't get fired for choosing MS"
mentality -- but not through consistency, reliability or accuracy (in the
behavior of their applications, that is

Gerhard

 

[kurttrail]

I see that more of a consequence. I'm old enough to remember the time
when MS Office was not the only contender on the market, and most
computer outlets offered a choice of similar packages for
pre-installation -- with MS not having been the cheapest one, AFAIR.
Yet most people chose MS Office, it seems. Which then made the other
commercial office suites disappear slowly (and therefore MS Office
the one single choice for pre-installation).

Somehow they managed to create that "you can't get fired for choosing
MS" mentality -- but not through consistency, reliability or accuracy
(in the behavior of their applications, that is

LOL! I didn't know we were talking about Office in this Windows group,
however which came first MS Office becoming the #1 Office suite, or MS
pressuring OEMs to pre-install MS Office? It's only been since the US
Anti-Trust case that US OEMs started to preinstall other Office suite
options again.

--
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"