Windows XP Issue (Activation) II

[Guest]

I am not having a problem, yet. But here is the scenario. I bought a copy of
Windows XP a while ago for my PC. I reformatted my HDD reinstalled and
activated Windows XP several times since I like to keep my PC fresh, which
doesn't seem to be a problem as long as the copy is on one PC.

Well, my Mom had a problem with her eMachines which needed it's BIOS to be
flashed, I did so. The Windows XP that comes installed in an eMachine and is
contained in the system restore disks uses "System Locked Pre-installation"
(SLP) which at boot, Windows XP compares the PC's BIOS to the SLP
information. If it matches, no activation is required.

Well since I have flashed her BIOS the information does not add up and
eMachines can't do anything for my Mom.

So I stepped in and installed my version of XP and activated it and updated
it to SP2 for her. Now there are two working copies of the same Windows XP on
two different PC's. It's not like I just copied Windows XP to a CD and
started passing it out to prevent people from purchasing an upgrade. Mom
technically has a right/license to run Windows XP but can't.


My questions that need to be answered so I can get sleep at night:

1.) Will my or my Mom's PC render useless? (MS finding out and disabling it
via Windows Update or some other technique?)

2.) Will I go to jail or get a fine?

3.) My best friend bought a Dell and ran over his restoration disk with the
wheel of his chair, schmuck . Almost same scenario, he has the right/license
to run it but can't. Can I install my copy onto his PC without getting my PC
or my Mom's deactivated or rendered useless?

4.) Will I go to jail or get a fine if I also install it on my best friend's
PC?

I REALLY appreciate the time you guys take to answer this post. You are
really helping me out! THANK YOU!!

BTW, I scoured the 'net and there is an overwhelming amount of information
and information that is conflicting (even from MS) that is real hard to get
these questions answered. So I figured someone here has the "Windows Product
Activation" (WPA) knowledge or experienced the same thing I am.

 

[kurttrail]

I am not having a problem, yet. But here is the scenario. I bought a
copy of Windows XP a while ago for my PC. I reformatted my HDD
reinstalled and activated Windows XP several times since I like to
keep my PC fresh, which doesn't seem to be a problem as long as the
copy is on one PC.

Well, my Mom had a problem with her eMachines which needed it's BIOS
to be flashed, I did so. The Windows XP that comes installed in an
eMachine and is contained in the system restore disks uses "System
Locked Pre-installation" (SLP) which at boot, Windows XP compares the
PC's BIOS to the SLP information. If it matches, no activation is
required.

Well since I have flashed her BIOS the information does not add up and
eMachines can't do anything for my Mom.

So I stepped in and installed my version of XP and activated it and
updated it to SP2 for her. Now there are two working copies of the
same Windows XP on two different PC's. It's not like I just copied
Windows XP to a CD and started passing it out to prevent people from
purchasing an upgrade. Mom technically has a right/license to run
Windows XP but can't.


My questions that need to be answered so I can get sleep at night:

1.) Will my or my Mom's PC render useless? (MS finding out and
disabling it via Windows Update or some other technique?)

Not once both installations have been activated, though using Windows
Updates can and has rendered many peoples' OSs useless, but that's a
risk you have to take even if XP is installed on only one PC.

2.) Will I go to jail or get a fine?

Definately no jail, but a fine is a very, very, very, very remote
posibility. You are more likely to win the $750,000,000 playing the
lottery.

3.) My best friend bought a Dell and ran over his restoration disk
with the wheel of his chair, schmuck . Almost same scenario, he has
the right/license to run it but can't. Can I install my copy onto his
PC without getting my PC or my Mom's deactivated or rendered useless?

Realistically, yes, though you are violating the EULA, but even with
Activation, there ain't much MS can do about it.

4.) Will I go to jail or get a fine if I also install it on my best
friend's PC?

Same answer as Number 2.

I REALLY appreciate the time you guys take to answer this post. You
are really helping me out! THANK YOU!!

BTW, I scoured the 'net and there is an overwhelming amount of
information and information that is conflicting (even from MS) that
is real hard to get these questions answered. So I figured someone
here has the "Windows Product Activation" (WPA) knowledge or
experienced the same thing I am.

That's how MS does business. Keep everything so confused that people
buy more copies of software than they really need to buy. Microsoft is
the modern-day PT Barnum, and relies on all the suckers out there.

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

 

[Guest]

-----Original Message-----
I am not having a problem, yet. But here is the scenario. I bought a copy of
Windows XP a while ago for my PC. I reformatted my HDD reinstalled and
activated Windows XP several times since I like to keep my PC fresh, which
doesn't seem to be a problem as long as the copy is on one PC.

Well, my Mom had a problem with her eMachines which needed it's BIOS to be
flashed, I did so. The Windows XP that comes installed in an eMachine and is
contained in the system restore disks uses "System Locked Pre-installation"
(SLP) which at boot, Windows XP compares the PC's BIOS to the SLP
information. If it matches, no activation is required.

Well since I have flashed her BIOS the information does not add up and
eMachines can't do anything for my Mom.

So I stepped in and installed my version of XP and activated it and updated
it to SP2 for her. Now there are two working copies of the same Windows XP on
two different PC's. It's not like I just copied Windows XP to a CD and
started passing it out to prevent people from purchasing an upgrade. Mom
technically has a right/license to run Windows XP but can't.


My questions that need to be answered so I can get sleep at night:

1.) Will my or my Mom's PC render useless? (MS finding out and disabling it
via Windows Update or some other technique?)

2.) Will I go to jail or get a fine?

3.) My best friend bought a Dell and ran over his restoration disk with the
wheel of his chair, schmuck . Almost same scenario, he has the right/license
to run it but can't. Can I install my copy onto his PC without getting my PC
or my Mom's deactivated or rendered useless?

4.) Will I go to jail or get a fine if I also install it on my best friend's
PC?

I REALLY appreciate the time you guys take to answer this post. You are
really helping me out! THANK YOU!!

BTW, I scoured the 'net and there is an overwhelming amount of information
and information that is conflicting (even from MS) that is real hard to get
these questions answered. So I figured someone here has the "Windows Product
Activation" (WPA) knowledge or experienced the same thing I am.

.does it bother you that you are breaking the licensing

agreement and know you are? you will have problems with
windows updates and will not be able to get them and will
be unable to reinstall using your cdkey anymore,you can
call microsoft and lie and get another cdkey to
install ,and a few more times and they will be on to you
and that will be that.

 

[Michael Stevens]

I am not having a problem, yet. But here is the scenario. I bought a
copy of Windows XP a while ago for my PC. I reformatted my HDD
reinstalled and activated Windows XP several times since I like to
keep my PC fresh, which doesn't seem to be a problem as long as the
copy is on one PC.

Well, my Mom had a problem with her eMachines which needed it's BIOS
to be flashed, I did so. The Windows XP that comes installed in an
eMachine and is contained in the system restore disks uses "System
Locked Pre-installation" (SLP) which at boot, Windows XP compares the
PC's BIOS to the SLP information. If it matches, no activation is
required.

Well since I have flashed her BIOS the information does not add up and
eMachines can't do anything for my Mom.

Where did you obtain the bios update? It should have come only from
eMachines and it would have accepted the restore media. You are lucky the
system booted at all by using a non-authorized bios update. If you make
unauthorized changes, you have to take responsibility for the results. You
mothers system no longer has the right to use the supplied software. Flash
it back to the original or obtain a supported bios from Emachine and there
is no problem, your worries are gone.

 

[kurttrail]

.does it bother you that you are breaking the licensing
agreement and know you are?

Obviously not.

you will have problems with
windows updates

Not until MS institutes mandatory validation.

and will not be able to get them and will
be unable to reinstall using your cdkey anymore,

Total Bullsh*t.

you can
call microsoft and lie and get another cdkey to
install ,

MS doesn't give out CD Keys over the phone, moron. They give out
activation IDs.

and a few more times and they will be on to you
and that will be that.

Total Bullsh*t. There is no limit to the number of activations.

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

 

[Guest]

If I restore the BIOS to original the problem will reoccur, but I'll will not
get into that and argue that point, I trust myself. I obtained the updated
BIOS from the mobo manufacturer it was specifically developed to fix the
issues that she had.

Thanks for your 2 cents.

 

[Michael Stevens]

If I restore the BIOS to original the problem will reoccur, but I'll
will not get into that and argue that point, I trust myself. I
obtained the updated BIOS from the mobo manufacturer it was
specifically developed to fix the issues that she had.

Thanks for your 2 cents.

:

Quite welcome. I will send you the bill.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
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[Alex Nichol]

I am not having a problem, yet. But here is the scenario. I bought a copy of
Windows XP a while ago for my PC. I reformatted my HDD reinstalled and
activated Windows XP several times since I like to keep my PC fresh, which
doesn't seem to be a problem as long as the copy is on one PC.

Well, my Mom had a problem with her eMachines which needed it's BIOS to be
flashed, I did so. The Windows XP that comes installed in an eMachine and is
contained in the system restore disks uses "System Locked Pre-installation"
(SLP) which at boot, Windows XP compares the PC's BIOS to the SLP
information. If it matches, no activation is required.

Well since I have flashed her BIOS the information does not add up and
eMachines can't do anything for my Mom.

So I stepped in and installed my version of XP and activated it and updated
it to SP2 for her. Now there are two working copies of the same Windows XP on
two different PC's. It's not like I just copied Windows XP to a CD and
started passing it out to prevent people from purchasing an upgrade. Mom
technically has a right/license to run Windows XP but can't.

That is not allowed. Your mom's machine though should have a product
key on the label on the case. Provided that this is acceptable to the
CD you have, use it. If the BIOS flash came from eMachines then they
should have provided a means of adjusting the lock to match

Otherwise if you flash the BIOS of such a BIOS locked install, and the
maker did not provide a proper CD to work with the key you are out on
your own.

 

[Michael Stevens]

That is not allowed. Your mom's machine though should have a product
key on the label on the case. Provided that this is acceptable to the
CD you have, use it. If the BIOS flash came from eMachines then they
should have provided a means of adjusting the lock to match

Otherwise if you flash the BIOS of such a BIOS locked install, and the
maker did not provide a proper CD to work with the key you are out on
your own.

Congratulations Alex, you may get a check in the mail too! I told him the
same thing and he thanked me for my 2 cents, I billed him. LOL
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Guest]

Otherwise if you flash the BIOS of such a BIOS locked install, and the
maker did not provide a proper CD to work with the key you are out on
your own.<<<<<

Ok so you suppose my Mom should have to pay for ANOTHER copy of Windows XP?
That's BS!!!!

That's why this whole WPA thing is BS!!!! Honest people like me and my Mom
are the one's that pay (for the big fish's copy (pirate)).

I also think eMachines, HP, IBM, Sony, etc. should be blamed also with these
stupid as* "restoration disks". Save money, save money, save money, like you
don't have enough? "Restoration disks" suck as* bad, no setup console, no
repair installation, etc. this whole distribution thing with Microsoft's OS's
need to be rethought.

 

[Leythos]

maker did not provide a proper CD to work with the key you are out on
your own.<<<<<

Ok so you suppose my Mom should have to pay for ANOTHER copy of Windows XP?
That's BS!!!!

If you flashed the BIOS with a non-emachine BIOS, then you created the
problem. If you used an emachine BIOS then you can get an update file from
their download site to fix the problem.

That's why this whole WPA thing is BS!!!! Honest people like me and my Mom
are the one's that pay (for the big fish's copy (pirate)).

You didn't have to purchase a computer with Windows on it - that was your
choice. If you didn't UNDERSTAND what you were purchasing then you can
only blame yourself.

I also think eMachines, HP, IBM, Sony, etc. should be blamed also with these
stupid as* "restoration disks". Save money, save money, save money, like you
don't have enough? "Restoration disks" suck as* bad, no setup console, no
repair installation, etc. this whole distribution thing with Microsoft's OS's
need to be rethought.

So, you don't want an OEM copy with all the easy install CD setup,
something that any 5 year-old can use to reinstall their system to an As
Shipped mode - as I recall, all of those come with the ability to
reinstall Windows without wiping the system and also come with the Full
reinstall method - you just need to follow instructions when you do it.

The real issue is if you wanted a custom machine with a retail copy of
Windows, why did you buy an E-Machine - my own guess is Price. You get
what you pay for most times in the computer world, and e-machines is the
lowest form of computer company there is, almost as bad as Apple

Face it, you can either restore the e-machines BIOS and get the system
back on the proper setup or you can purchase a non-emachines version of
Windows. If you want to do the later, buy a MS Mouse and Windows XP OEM
for $99 and be happy.

 

[Guest]

I'll give you both $200 if you'd STFU and never post to this board again.
MVP status went to your head. If you can't comprehend this noncomplex
situation and can't grasp the moral, STFU.

Obviously the MVP officers don't check the content in your posts. VERY
LIGHT!!! You just post away because you have nothing else to do, and the
content weighs nothing.

Who should I make the check to?

 

[Guest]

Hey Pessos, read the thread, I hate these stupidmonkey asses that come in
yelling they know it all...LOL! You guys have all the answers but don't read
the questions and other answers. You'll be a next MVP...hehe.

 

[Leythos]

Hey Pessos, read the thread, I hate these stupidmonkey asses that come in
yelling they know it all...LOL! You guys have all the answers but don't read
the questions and other answers. You'll be a next MVP...hehe.

I did read the thread and answered the technical side of the problem -
care to use your brain to tell me where I missed something that I didn't
address?

 

[Guest]

Yeah my five year old can read. Comprehend is another story. Get the
picture Pedro?

 

[Leythos]

Yeah my five year old can read. Comprehend is another story. Get the
picture Pedro?

Sure, it appears that you are another whiner type that did something that
you didn't research first and now blame someone else for your mistakes in
process and Understanding.

Maybe you should consult with your 5/y/o next time you want to do anything
with the computer.

 

[Guest]

Maybe you should consult with your 5/y/o next time you want to do anything
with the computer.<<<

It be better than asking you anything.

 

[Leythos]

with the computer.<<<

It be better than asking you anything.

Yea, I can believe that - you said he/she didn't comprehend either, that
puts you at a serious disadvantage - both of you not comprehending
computers and unable to understand what people post in order to answer
questions where you don't like answers when they are not what you
want to hear.

You should troll somewhere else, try alt.for.idiots.

 

[Michael Stevens]

I'll give you both $200 if you'd STFU and never post to this board
again. MVP status went to your head. If you can't comprehend this
noncomplex situation and can't grasp the moral, STFU.

Obviously the MVP officers don't check the content in your posts.
VERY LIGHT!!! You just post away because you have nothing else to do,
and the content weighs nothing.

Who should I make the check to?

You can find paypal on my web site but I think that is much to generous[
plus I will continue to post]. LOL
The problem you have is YOU. It is not your mother, Microsoft, or anybody
else, it is YOU. You already knew the answer and decided the solution before
you posted your first message. You wanted absolution for what you were
doing. LOL You didn't need it, you were going to fix your mothers computer
that you broke come hell or high water. There is little consequence you
could expect from your actions. You came here asking for support and
forgiveness. It ain't going to happen. You messed up. It is very likely you
could have used any OEM XP CD of the version Home [most likely] or Pro and
the eMachines Product Key and installed and activated without any problem
plus be in compliance with the OEM EULA license. You only changed the bios,
that voided your eMachines restore and support, but it didn't void your
Microsoft OEM EULA.
You used the cut the head off and then try to reattach it approach, rather
than; what do I need to do before I cut off the head.

I will ignore your rudeness, since it is was a knee-jerk reply and hope you
work out your situation as painless as possible.
If you ever need any of my "light" content, feel free to ask or use my web
site [also provided for free].

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

 

[daygo140]

Yea, I can believe that - you said he/she didn't comprehend either, that

puts you at a serious disadvantage - both of you not comprehending
computers and unable to understand what people post in order to answer
questions where you don't like answers when they are not what you
want to hear.

"Answer" is the key word here. You didn't answer crap. You gave your
opinion. The opinion, the you think is going to get you a MVP status
here...lol! You are my hero! Your Microsoft's knight in shining armour.

To sum up your jibber, you'd pay twice for Windows XP reguardless of the
situation (the situation you can't seem to comprehend). Let me charge you
twice for your groceries. Oh that's right, you get food stamps.