Repair Install and bypassing Activation

[Joe]

Hi,

My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP
disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think). It had screwed
previously once before and I used the Compaq "system restore" (or similar
name 3 cds) which did a new install.

Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the installed software as its
a real pain to re install and update it all again.

However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop and on startup the OS
wont let me log into the account or bypass it without activation.

So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an activation code before I
can even access my machine. Is the right????

What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I have no access to a
phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my computer?

Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been activated?

If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have to do a repair
install both onerous and intrusive.

I *own* the software don't I??

Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and use my machine
without having to go through this palaver?

Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the Laptop it was
purchsed with.

Thanks

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

One, you own a license to use the software, not the software itself.

Two, you should be able to cancel and activate later - but if not you need
to blame Compaq for the way they have implemented the activation scheme.
Under normal cirncumstances you would have 30 days to reactivate, which you
must do as Windows has no way of knowing that this is a repair operation -
it is treated the same as a new installation. You cannot bypass activation.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

This link will explain Activation in detail:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm
Among other things it lists two files you can copy and save to prevent the
need for activation after a Repair Installation.
These files will not work for a Clean Installation.

You can activate by phone or on the internet.
If Activation is necessary, you will need to activate one of those two
methods.
So to answer your "What if" question, if you can not activate one of the two
methods and time runs out, you will be unable to use Windows until you
activate.

"I *own* the software don't I??"
No, you don't.
You own a license to use Windows under the terms of the EULA

 

[Joe]

Hi,

One, you own a license to use the software, not the software itself.

Whatever. I'm not getting in to that can of worms

Two, you should be able to cancel and activate later - but if not you need
to blame Compaq for the way they have implemented the activation scheme.

No I tried to cancel and activate later but it wouldn't let me.

Under normal cirncumstances you would have 30 days to reactivate, which you
must do as Windows has no way of knowing that this is a repair operation -
it is treated the same as a new installation. You cannot bypass

activation.

Well it does have a way available as the HD has not been wiped, clearly it
doesn't want to take it.
Interestingly, first time when I used the 3 restore discs, it *didn't* ask
for activation - so it remembered then, even though it was a more
"intrusive" install (I would have thought).

 

[Joe]

This link will explain Activation in detail:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm
Among other things it lists two files you can copy and save to prevent the
need for activation after a Repair Installation.
These files will not work for a Clean Installation.

OK, thanks. That'll help *next* time, will it this given the scenario I
presented?

Cheers

 

[Kadaitcha Man]

Jupiter Jones [MVP], <[email protected]>, the big-nosed, miniature
fatso, and dealer in old cheeses, piped:


"I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP disc which came with the
machine"

This link will explain Activation in detail:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm
Among other things it lists two files you can copy and save to
prevent the need for activation after a Repair Installation.
These files will not work for a Clean Installation.

You can activate by phone or on the internet.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! You ****witted twat.

 

[J. Clarke]

Hi,

My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP
disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think). It had screwed
previously once before and I used the Compaq "system restore" (or similar
name 3 cds) which did a new install.

Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the installed software as
its a real pain to re install and update it all again.

However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop and on startup the
OS wont let me log into the account or bypass it without activation.

So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an activation code before I
can even access my machine. Is the right????

What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I have no access to
a phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my computer?

Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been activated?

If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have to do a repair
install both onerous and intrusive.

I *own* the software don't I??

Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and use my machine
without having to go through this palaver?

Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the Laptop it was
purchsed with.

You can spend the 600 bucks or so for an MSDN Operating Systems subscription
(or go for one of the higher levels of MSDN)--if you are affiliated with a
university you might qualify for academic pricing which takes it down to
around $230. That gets you a version of XP that, I am told, does not
require activation.

 

[Jim Macklin]

see http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421


--
Merry Christmas
Have a Safe and Happy New Year
Live Long and Prosper
Jim Macklin
| Joe wrote:
|
| > Hi,
| >
| > My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the
Compaq Windows XP
| > disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think).
It had screwed
| > previously once before and I used the Compaq "system
restore" (or similar
| > name 3 cds) which did a new install.
| >
| > Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the
installed software as
| > its a real pain to re install and update it all again.
| >
| > However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop
and on startup the
| > OS wont let me log into the account or bypass it without
activation.
| >
| > So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an
activation code before I
| > can even access my machine. Is the right????
| >
| > What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I
have no access to
| > a phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my
computer?
| >
| > Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been
activated?
| >
| > If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have
to do a repair
| > install both onerous and intrusive.
| >
| > I *own* the software don't I??
| >
| > Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and
use my machine
| > without having to go through this palaver?
| >
| > Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the
Laptop it was
| > purchsed with.
|
| You can spend the 600 bucks or so for an MSDN Operating
Systems subscription
| (or go for one of the higher levels of MSDN)--if you are
affiliated with a
| university you might qualify for academic pricing which
takes it down to
| around $230. That gets you a version of XP that, I am
told, does not
| require activation.
|
| > Thanks
|
| --
| --John
| Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
| (was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Incorrect, the MSDN version requires activation. It is also for testing
purposes, not regular operation of a machine. I can't speak for the academic
version.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[GateKeeper]

There is a corporate version of Windows XP Professional that does not
require activation, but I do not know how to acquire one. I know it does
not require activation because I have uninstalled and reinstalled the OS
several times and I have never had to activate. I do know that the Product
Key was given to the company's IT manager by Microsoft. I think he had an
MSDN subscription, but I do not know that for sure.

Hi,

Incorrect, the MSDN version requires activation. It is also for testing
purposes, not regular operation of a machine. I can't speak for the
academic version.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Ken Blake]

In

There is a corporate version of Windows XP Professional that
does not require activation,

No, there is no such thing as a "Corporate Version." "Corporate
Version" is a unofficial name, used by software pirates to
describe a hacked version with activation disabled.

You're thinking of a volume licensed version, which does not
require activation. As the name implies, you can acquire it only
by buying a bunch of them

but I do not know how to acquire one. I know it
does not require activation because I have uninstalled and
reinstalled the OS several times and I have never had to
activate. I
do know that the Product Key was given to the company's IT
manager by
Microsoft. I think he had an MSDN subscription, but I do not
know
that for sure.

The MSDN version is different, and as Rick says, *does* require
activation.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

There is no such thing as "corporate version of Windows XP Professional".
That is a name often referred to stolen Volume License.
Volume License does not require activation.

The organizations possessing Volume Licenses have strict rules on usage
possibly including but not necessarily limited to:
Who can install
How many installations.
Physical location of each installation
Etc.
The IT department normally has the responsibility of controlling this.

Acquiring Volume Licenses is easy...buy the licenses needed:
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default.mspx

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/

There is a corporate version of Windows XP Professional that does not
require activation, but I do not know how to acquire one. I know it does
not require activation because I have uninstalled and reinstalled the OS
several times and I have never had to activate. I do know that the
Product Key was given to the company's IT manager by Microsoft. I think
he had an MSDN subscription, but I do not know that for sure.

 

[Alex Nichol]

There is a corporate version of Windows XP Professional that does not
require activation, but I do not know how to acquire one. I know it does
not require activation because I have uninstalled and reinstalled the OS
several times and I have never had to activate.

There is a provision of Volume licensed versions to corporate customers,
which does not need activation, but the keys used are subject to strict
audit. Some of these copies got pirated and were widely available in
the warez pirate sites under the name of Corporate - but that term is
not used of anything legitimate. They are quite straightforward stolen
goods, and anyone using them is open to a charge of receiving stolen
goods

 

[technicsone]

Hi,

My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP
disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think). It had screwed
previously once before and I used the Compaq "system restore" (or similar
name 3 cds) which did a new install.

Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the installed software as its
a real pain to re install and update it all again.

However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop and on startup the OS
wont let me log into the account or bypass it without activation.

So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an activation code before I
can even access my machine. Is the right????

What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I have no access to a
phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my computer?

Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been activated?

If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have to do a repair
install both onerous and intrusive.

I *own* the software don't I??

Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and use my machine
without having to go through this palaver?

Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the Laptop it was
purchsed with.

Thanks

Joe read this article and you can prevent something like this from
happening in the future.
http://www.thetechtips.com/content.php?article.38
Note: I think you will have to become a member of the site in order to
view the article which is free and took me like 60 seconds. Hope this
helps.
cheers

 

[barbibiz]

I bought MS windows XP PRO for my laptop and it cost me Australian
$675.00.. Installed it on my laptop no prob. then within a couple of hours
of being on the internet I was hit with so many viruses, that I decided to
reinstall (with the virus protection (so-called) this time) I decided to
activate it straight away.. it told me that it had been already in use on
another computer..
Now I dont know if the copy of the Wxp Pro had a life before I bought it,
anyway I did know one thing, besides the reinstall I had taken it to the
screen where they give you an ID several times.
Now I rang the MS person ( that they direct you to call in the event you
cannot activate) I felt quite nervous like I had done something wrong..
turns out each time you hit that screen where you are given an ID number...
it is a different number.. She gave me a number to activate and it did..

BTW.... I dont quite understand that posting on the bottom anymore, all the
emails I get follow on from the original post, so it doesnt take as long to
just open each one and see the reply on the top other than having to scroll
right to the bottom it can be quite a long way..
Felicity

 

[Kadaitcha Man]

I bought MS windows XP PRO for my laptop and it cost me Australian
$675.00

$675? **** me dead.

Felicity

Please.

 

[Tom]

I bought MS windows XP PRO for my laptop and it cost me Australian
$675.00.. Installed it on my laptop no prob. then within a couple of hours
of being on the internet I was hit with so many viruses, that I decided to
reinstall (with the virus protection (so-called) this time) I decided to
activate it straight away.. it told me that it had been already in use on
another computer..
Now I dont know if the copy of the Wxp Pro had a life before I bought it,
anyway I did know one thing, besides the reinstall I had taken it to the
screen where they give you an ID several times.
Now I rang the MS person ( that they direct you to call in the event you
cannot activate) I felt quite nervous like I had done something wrong..
turns out each time you hit that screen where you are given an ID number...
it is a different number.. She gave me a number to activate and it did..

If you paid $675 Aussies dollars for XP Pro, you got ripped off bigtime! In the U.S. a full retail version of XP Pro cost $299, converted to Aussies bucks turns out to be $389. As far as the reast of your issues, don't get hit again, and get a good firewall, anti-virus, and Adware scanner/removers programs.

Security software that is free and very good:

Adaware SE Personal: http://www.lavasoft.de/

AVG Anti-virus (free): http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/

Zone Alarm firewall (free): http://www.zonelabs.com

BTW.... I dont quite understand that posting on the bottom anymore, all the
emails I get follow on from the original post, so it doesnt take as long to
just open each one and see the reply on the top other than having to scroll
right to the bottom it can be quite a long way..
Felicity

Tt doesn't matter (to me anyway), post as you will, I reply in kind. But most users, and within netiquette want people to bottom post, as it does make it easier to follow previous inline posts.

 

[Brian S. Craigie]

Yes, you are right. People who post at the bottom are a real pain.
Posting at the top is the majority preferred default worldwide.

Warmest Felicitations,

Brian

 

[relic]

Yes, you are right. People who post at the bottom are a real pain.
Posting at the top is the majority preferred default worldwide.

Warmest Felicitations,

Brian

Then post elsewhere.

 

[Baronet Franklin Shakewill-Gacklelire]

You dumb ****.

Yes, you are right. People who post at the bottom are a real pain.
Posting at the top is the majority preferred default worldwide.

Warmest Felicitations,

Brian

HTH, you dumb ****.




--
Lunch was nice;

Barbequed monkey vomit and stinkbug ligament garnish accentuated with stewed
discarded douchebags and hedgehog labia vinegar, arranged in a congealing
deep dish heaped with well-done nut, small morsels of mutton, octopus and
pork, rutabaga broth, a side of pastries and a container of syphilis tea.