XP Activation

[Guest]

My previous computer had Windows XP Preinstalled on it and it worked fine
without activation for 2 years

Recently I have changed both my motherboard and processor and it asked me
for an activation code I typed in the one on my PC case but it doesn't work
either on the internet or on the phone.

That was 6 days ago and even though I have rebooted 5 or 6 times since then
has been no message that I need to active in that time.

I can't tell whether it has resolved itself or whether is counting down to
shut me out after 30 days. Can I find out?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Your OEM version of Windows XP cannot be activated
on different hardware. You'll need to purchase a "Full Version"
of Windows XP and proceed with a "Repair Install".

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| My previous computer had Windows XP Preinstalled on it and it worked fine
| without activation for 2 years
|
| Recently I have changed both my motherboard and processor and it asked me
| for an activation code I typed in the one on my PC case but it doesn't work
| either on the internet or on the phone.
|
| That was 6 days ago and even though I have rebooted 5 or 6 times since then
| has been no message that I need to active in that time.
|
| I can't tell whether it has resolved itself or whether is counting down to
| shut me out after 30 days. Can I find out?

 

[jeff]

You can open the Windows Product Activation wizard by clicking Start, then
Run, and type in "oobe/msoobe /a".
If it is already activated it will tell you on this screen or it will tell
you you need to activate it.

 

[jeff]

Nwhere did the original poster say it was an OEM version. He just said it
was preinstalled. He might have bought it from some one or some company that
used a full version. It does happen.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The other indicator may have missed:
"I typed in the one on my PC case.."
That also indicates OEM since retail are affixed to the package.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Nwhere did the original poster say it was an OEM version. He
just
said it was preinstalled. He might have bought it from some one
or
some company that used a full version. It does happen.

There may be an occasional counterexample, but if so, they are
*extremely* rare. It's safe to assume that almost any
preinstalled version of Windows is an OEM version.

Over and above that, Gigafattymon's description of his situation
makes it even closer to certain that his is an OEM version. I'm
not a gambling man, but in this case, I'd bet on it.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

message

Your OEM version of Windows XP cannot be activated
on different hardware. You'll need to purchase a "Full
Version"
of Windows XP and proceed with a "Repair Install".

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP
Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My previous computer had Windows XP Preinstalled on it and it
worked fine without activation for 2 years

Recently I have changed both my motherboard and processor and
it
asked me for an activation code I typed in the one on my PC
case
but it doesn't work either on the internet or on the phone.

That was 6 days ago and even though I have rebooted 5 or 6
times
since then has been no message that I need to active in that
time.

I can't tell whether it has resolved itself or whether is
counting
down to shut me out after 30 days. Can I find out?

 

[Al Smith]

My previous computer had Windows XP Preinstalled on it and it worked fine

without activation for 2 years

Recently I have changed both my motherboard and processor and it asked me
for an activation code I typed in the one on my PC case but it doesn't work
either on the internet or on the phone.

That was 6 days ago and even though I have rebooted 5 or 6 times since then
has been no message that I need to active in that time.

I can't tell whether it has resolved itself or whether is counting down to
shut me out after 30 days. Can I find out?

As far as Microsoft is concerned, because you changed your
motherboard, you now own a new computer, and the OEM version of
Windows XP that you got with your computer cannot be activated on
your "new" computer, since OEM versions are limited to the
hardware with which they are sold. All of which is a crock of
beans. You've still got the same computer, whatever Microsoft
says, so you should still be able to use the Windows XP you paid
for on it. Why not join the great community of folks who are fed
up with Microsoft's bullshit, and use a hack to activate Windows XP?

 

[Alex Nichol]

My previous computer had Windows XP Preinstalled on it and it worked fine
without activation for 2 years

Recently I have changed both my motherboard and processor and it asked me
for an activation code I typed in the one on my PC case but it doesn't work
either on the internet or on the phone.

That was 6 days ago and even though I have rebooted 5 or 6 times since then
has been no message that I need to active in that time.

Your system on the old motherboard was 'locked' to the BIOS and did not
need separate activation. When you did a full reinstall, and entered
that Key from the case, the system must have installed using it (if you
did not do a reinstall, do it now). This should then be acceptable at
least on a phone activation. Go to
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate Windows
and see if it says 'Already Activated' - if so it *did* take and you are
OK

 

[Steve Shattuck]

Nwhere did the original poster say it was an OEM version. He just said it

was preinstalled. He might have bought it from some one or some company
that used a full version. It does happen.

"I typed in the one on my PC case"

Well DUH, only OEM versions come with a activation code on their case but
OEM versions. When firing from the hip, make sure you get your let out of
the way.