Windows XP reactivation?

[sameerpaithankar]

Hi,
I want to upgrade my graphic card and add more ram. Do I need to reactivate
Windows?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Maybe, maybe not. As long as you are using a genuine copy of Windows its no
big deal to reactivate. If you need to reactivate the software will tell
you.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

WYSIWYG.

 

[PD43]

Hi,
I want to upgrade my graphic card and add more ram. Do I need to reactivate
Windows?

Does it really matter? Upgrade what you want, if you have to
reactivate it's no big deal.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi,
I want to upgrade my graphic card and add more ram. Do I need to reactivate
Windows?

Probably not, but maybe. If you do, you'll be prompted to do so. Just
do it; there's no problem reactivating.

 

[sameerpaithankar]

The Problem is that the last time I had to reactivate windows (because my
comp crashed and I had to reinstall windows and this has happened 2-3 times)
it didn't accept the key which comes with the CD. I had to call windows
serivce and told them my problem. They then issued a new number (probably a
new key). I dont know whether they will give me a new key again.

I do have a legal copy of windows xp though.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

If your copy of Windows is retail (not OEM) I would think that activation
would always be available. It sounds like your copy is either a system
builder copy or came preinstalled on the computer. If so, and you have
changed the mobo, you might get some resistance from the activation center
and have to give a lenthy explanation. That usually is not the case,
however.

 

[sameerpaithankar]

I have a retail copy of Windows XP home edition.

If your copy of Windows is retail (not OEM) I would think that activation
would always be available. It sounds like your copy is either a system
builder copy or came preinstalled on the computer. If so, and you have
changed the mobo, you might get some resistance from the activation center
and have to give a lenthy explanation. That usually is not the case,
however.

 

[Daave]

The Problem is that the last time I had to reactivate windows
(because my comp crashed and I had to reinstall windows and this has
happened 2-3 times) it didn't accept the key which comes with the CD.
I had to call windows serivce and told them my problem. They then
issued a new number (probably a new key). I dont know whether they
will give me a new key again.

I do have a legal copy of windows xp though.

I believe you are confusing:

Product Key
Installation ID
and
Confirmation ID

Those who reinstall XP less than 120 days from the previous time are
required to call the phone number provided on the screen. Also, changing
hardware followed by a reinstall (even if it's more than 120 days) can
trip the same feature. This is by design.

The Product Key is the 25-digit code on your Certificate of Authenticity
sticker/label. For those not using a volume license or an equivalent,
this key needs to be entered after you personalize your installation.

The Installation ID, which is displayed on the Activation screen, is
derived from your key and hardware configuration. When Windows is
activated online, you don't need to be concerned at all with the
Installation ID; it's all done automatically. However, if you are
required to call the phone number, you need to provide the Installation
ID. *Then* you will receive the Confirmation ID from Microsoft, which
you need to enter to complete activation. See:

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

and

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Then as long as you can reassure the activation agent that it is only
installed on one computer you should never have a problem.

 

[sameerpaithankar]

Thnaks a lot for your advice

Then as long as you can reassure the activation agent that it is only
installed on one computer you should never have a problem.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

YW

Thnaks a lot for your advice

 

[sameerpaithankar]

Thanks a lot for this info

I believe you are confusing:

Product Key
Installation ID
and
Confirmation ID

Those who reinstall XP less than 120 days from the previous time are
required to call the phone number provided on the screen. Also, changing
hardware followed by a reinstall (even if it's more than 120 days) can
trip the same feature. This is by design.

The Product Key is the 25-digit code on your Certificate of Authenticity
sticker/label. For those not using a volume license or an equivalent,
this key needs to be entered after you personalize your installation.

The Installation ID, which is displayed on the Activation screen, is
derived from your key and hardware configuration. When Windows is
activated online, you don't need to be concerned at all with the
Installation ID; it's all done automatically. However, if you are
required to call the phone number, you need to provide the Installation
ID. *Then* you will receive the Confirmation ID from Microsoft, which
you need to enter to complete activation. See:

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

and

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

 

[Twayne]

The Problem is that the last time I had to reactivate windows

(because my comp crashed and I had to reinstall windows and this has
happened 2-3 times) it didn't accept the key which comes with the CD.
I had to call windows serivce and told them my problem. They then
issued a new number (probably a new key). I dont know whether they
will give me a new key again.

I do have a legal copy of windows xp though.

Yes, should it be necessary, they will. There is no limitation on the
number of times or anything like that.

--
--
Regards,

Twayne

Open Office isn't just for wimps anymore;
OOo is a GREAT MS Office replacement
www.openoffice.org

 

[sameerpaithankar]

Thanks

Yes, should it be necessary, they will. There is no limitation on the
number of times or anything like that.

--
--
Regards,

Twayne

Open Office isn't just for wimps anymore;
OOo is a GREAT MS Office replacement
www.openoffice.org