Windows - Activation

[ErikAlbert]

Since I cannot activate WinXPproSP2 anymore on my computer, I was wondering how many times you can activate WinXPproSP2 and some other members too.

According X-Setup Pro, some kind of tweaking software, which I'm trialing at this moment,
I've read this information accidently.

-{ Quote: "
Your product code can only be used three times to perform an automatic Activation (over the Internet) after which you must call Microsoft to be able to activate again.
" }-
I hope you do remember your number of activations or you are in the same boat like me, one day.

I didn't know anything about this. I simply assumed, that as long my hardware didn't change, I could activate WinXPproSP2 an unlimited times and that would be logical.

Microsoft seems to control these components :
01. Processor Model
02. Processor Serial Number
03. RAM Size
04. Graphics Adapter
05. IDE Controller
06. SCSI Host Adapter
07. Harddrive
08. CD-ROM Drive
09. Volume Serial Number
10. MAC Address
And there is obvious an 11th verification :
11. Number of Activations

I guess that this info is stored in the files :
1. C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WPA.DBL
2. C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WPA.BAK

Isn't that enough to verify the identity of my and your computer ? Obvious not for Microsoft.
After all, I'm a honest guy, who paid €165.00 for WinXPproSP2.

My recent experience with the activation of ShadowProtect wasn't pleasant either.
I'm not going to buy any software with activation anymore as long it is still possible.
I have 3 of them and 2 of them caused already activation problems.
I consider activations as an attack on my personal freedom.

I don't have a problem with activation itself, I have a problem with the way they do it.
1. They don't verify your computer, based on hardware identification (except M$ maybe), they give you some kind of client number during the first installation and call it "Activation Code" or "Machine ID", whatever.
If that number is gone due to formatting of your harddisk, you have to reactivate the software and your activation counter increases with "1".

2. Even when your machine is verified, they still count your activations, because they don't trust their OWN identification method.

3. If the software is installed twice (or more) on the same computer, like in another snapshot, the software gives you a new activation code, which is compared with the previous activation code and then you are wrongly accused of piracy.

That is my problem with activation.

More and more companies will create softwares with activation and they will imitate the same crippled activation method of other companies.

[Meriadoc]

Yes MS monitors 11 components. Isn't there a 50 times rule for some installations?

[Peter2150]

Unforunately, one of the signs of piracy behavior is multiple installs on the same machine. It really isn't normal usage.

Erik, I understand your frustration, but when you consider the assault on your freedom, consider how you'd feel if you worked hard for a long time to develop something, and then someone else copied it and was selling for half the price. I'd bet you'd become a big fan of this restrictive activation.

Anyway the reality is we are going to have to live with it.

[dogma]

I didn't know XP service pack 2 needed to be activated on Win XP Pro. My cousin (who bought his desktop PC same time as my old desktop in 2001) restores his Win XP pre-service pack2 (can't remember if SP1 was installed) from his recovery floppy disk to factory settings. After this he installs SP2, which he downloaded from Softpedia a few years back (windows update takes too long), from a CD. I'm certain he has done this over 4 times now. And I can't remember it ever asking for activation?

All PCs that I know have all come with SP2 pre-installed (WinXP Pro 2005). They also come with recovery DVDs so you don't need to go activate anything.

Next time you get SP2 installed again, on a fresh install, maybe you should consider making a bootable recovery CD with some imaging software.

[Chuck57]

The XP activation over the phone is easy. I generally reformat yearly and the last time had to call and get a number. I just explained what I wanted to do and why and it was over and done in barely 5 minutes.

Using virtualization, first Powershadow until it died and now Returnil, maybe I won't be needing to reformat any more - or as much.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "The XP activation over the phone is easy. I generally reformat yearly and the last time had to call and get a number. I just explained what I wanted to do and why and it was over and done in barely 5 minutes.

Using virtualization, first Powershadow until it died and now Returnil, maybe I won't be needing to reformat any more - or as much." }-
When I get my activation, back after the phonecall, I will install Windows, activate it and do a backup and keep that image.

When I want to re-install my computer from scratch I will restore that image.
I wanted to do this in September, but I'm one activation too late. Three times isn't much.

[Chuck57]

-{ Quote: "When I get my activation, back after the phonecall, I will install Windows, activate it and do a backup and keep that image.

When I want to re-install my computer from scratch I will restore that image.
I wanted to do this in September, but I'm one activation too late. Three times isn't much." }-

Three activations is ridiculous, and why by the end of this year I'm going to be running either an Apple computer or have Linux on this one - if I can ever find a version of Linux that will recognize and let me use my printer.

I can appreciate M$ and they're penchant for controlling piracy, but if you install Windows on the same computer, you should be able to do unlimited reinstalls on That computer.

On the other hand, I can in a way understand 3 activations. A lot of people keep a PC for 3 or 4 years. If they bog it down with junk, take it to someone and have them do a format and reinstall. Three activations is probably more than the average user will ever need. I download and test or play with all kinds of stuff on a daily basis. The new virtualization software out now has been a godsend to me.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "
I can appreciate M$ and they're penchant for controlling piracy, but if you install Windows on the same computer, you should be able to do unlimited reinstalls on That computer.
" }-
Suppose I replace my old computer with a new computer, because my old computer is broke. They might also think I kept my old computer and consider my new computer as a second computer, although it isn't true, but that means for them ANOTHER license.
I wonder how this will work in practice.

[Chuck57]

That is precisely what I did with this computer that I got less than a year ago. It was prebuilt locally (generic) but with no OS installed, which is how I wanted it since I had a copy of Windows XP. My understanding was that you could install your copy of XP on a new computer.

Obviously, the copy wouldn't register. I called, explained to the guy what I wanted to do and why (new computer). He asked if the old one was gone. I told him it was dead. He gave me the new activation number without hesitation. All done in barely five minutes.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "
Obviously, the copy wouldn't register. I called, explained to the guy what I wanted to do and why (new computer). He asked if the old one was gone. I told him it was dead. He gave me the new activation number without hesitation. All done in barely five minutes." }-
I'm surprised they believed you so EASILY. After all you could have been a liar.
Let's hope that each company with activation will be that easy.

[Chuck57]

-{ Quote: "I'm surprised they believed you so EASILY. After all you could have been a liar.
Let's hope that each company with activation will be that easy." }-

The guy I talked to was from overseas, India or somewhere. Very pleasant and friendly and didn't question me a bit. I don't know if that's the norm. It's the first time I've ever had to call.

[Ocky]

@ ErikAlbert

Please read this. http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ProductActivation.htm

Interesting also is this extract from above linked site:

"That said, at present, if you don't need to contact the activation centre during the 120-day period after a telephone reactivation (made necessary because of the number of changes made to the system), this means that any changes you have made during the 120 days have been acceptable, the slate is then wiped clean, and you can start again using the current hardware as the new basis for making additional changes. Moreover, if you buy a new computer, if you remove Windows XP from the computer that is being sold or scrapped, you're entitled to install the same copy of Windows XP on the new computer. However, you'll have use the telephone option and explain the situation to Microsoft's customer service."

Regards

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "The guy I talked to was from overseas, India or somewhere. Very pleasant and friendly and didn't question me a bit. I don't know if that's the norm. It's the first time I've ever had to call." }-
Yes, it's only an one-case-story. It's hard to believe for me that it always will be that easy.
If they don't believe me, I might have to buy the software again and that would make me really angry.
At this moment, there aren't so many softwares with activation, but this can change it the following years and then it won't be so easy anymore to reinstall your actual harddisk or new harddisk.
I see myself already writing 15 begging emails for activation. Pffft.

[Peter2150]

-{ Quote: "@ ErikAlbert

Please read this. http://www.pcbuyerbeware.co.uk/ProductActivation.htm

Interesting also is this extract from above linked site:

"That said, at present, if you don't need to contact the activation centre during the 120-day period after a telephone reactivation (made necessary because of the number of changes made to the system), this means that any changes you have made during the 120 days have been acceptable, the slate is then wiped clean, and you can start again using the current hardware as the new basis for making additional changes. Moreover, if you buy a new computer, if you remove Windows XP from the computer that is being sold or scrapped, you're entitled to install the same copy of Windows XP on the new computer. However, you'll have use the telephone option and explain the situation to Microsoft's customer service."

Regards" }-

Interesting, but questionable accuracy. If you buy a retail version of windows yes you can remove it from computer A and move it to B. But if it's an OEM version, it is licensed to both the machine purchaser and the machine and isn't transferable. Also every OEM version I've purchased both from velocitymicro and Lenovo(IBM) have required activation.

[Chuck57]

-{ Quote: "Interesting, but questionable accuracy. If you buy a retail version of windows yes you can remove it from computer A and move it to B. But if it's an OEM version, it is licensed to both the machine purchaser and the machine and isn't transferable. Also every OEM version I've purchased both from velocitymicro and Lenovo(IBM) have required activation." }-

My old version of xp was an oem. The guy never asked. I just explained what happened and he read off a new activation number. I'm sure, being M$, it wouldn't always be so simple. I think i might have just got lucky.

[SYS 64738]

-{ Quote: "Interesting, but questionable accuracy. If you buy a retail version of windows yes you can remove it from computer A and move it to B. But if it's an OEM version, it is licensed to both the machine purchaser and the machine and isn't transferable. Also every OEM version I've purchased both from velocitymicro and Lenovo(IBM) have required activation." }-


I would just like to mention that this does not hold for example in germany. Here selling of OEM versions are allowed without the corresponding hardware. You have the right to install this software on any computer once, not exclusively on the computer hardware of the manufacturer mentioned on the CD-label.

[Firecat]

-{ Quote: "My old version of xp was an oem. The guy never asked. I just explained what happened and he read off a new activation number. I'm sure, being M$, it wouldn't always be so simple. I think i might have just got lucky." }-
It depends on a few things how "strict" M$ with you, but 95% of the time I've had absolutely no problem with the telephone activation process. The one time I did have a problem was when the automatic activation system wouldn't send me an activation code for whatever reason and I was transferred to what I assume was a line in Denmark, which took a lot more time than usual because this time I was speaking to a real person and not the automated machine. The drain on my phone bill was pretty hard :P

[Huupi]

-{ Quote: "I would just like to mention that this does not hold for example in germany. Here selling of OEM versions are allowed without the corresponding hardware. You have the right to install this software on any computer once, not exclusively on the computer hardware of the manufacturer mentioned on the CD-label." }-

I don't get it,its my understanding that this so called OEM versions are tailormade to fit the machines they are made for,you said "any" right,so what happen if i install an HP OEM on an Acer with different hardware,its likely not good to do,or am i missing something !?!

[SYS 64738]

Here, an i can only speak about conditions refering to german law, vou are absolutely allowed to install an HP OEM to an Acer or a no-name home built computer. The part of the licence which "binds" the software to the purchased hardware is not valid here.
Please, don't take this as a authoritative statement, i'm not a lawyer, but selling OEM Software (for MS OS: including CD, licence key (COA) and short manual) is common practice here. You are allowed to buy a Fujitsu or Dell installation CD and install it on a no-name machine. Usually, you have to activate via phone, but this shouldn't be a problem. In doubt tell them you have had to change your mainboard.

[Huupi]

-{ Quote: "Here, an i can only speak about conditions refering to german law, vou are absolutely allowed to install an HP OEM to an Acer or a no-name home built computer. The part of the licence which "binds" the software to the purchased hardware is not valid here.
Please, don't take this as a authoritative statement, i'm not a lawyer, but selling OEM Software (for MS OS: including CD, licence key (COA) and short manual) is common practice here. You are allowed to buy a Fujitsu or Dell installation CD and install it on a no-name machine. Usually, you have to activate via phone, but this shouldn't be a problem. In doubt tell them you have had to change your mainboard." }-

Sorry, its about mismatch,to install an OEM preconfigured HP CD on an any different rig spell trouble i guess because in many cases different hardware,missing drivers etc.Here in Holland its the same,OEM stuff for lesser half the price as compared with a retail windows.

[SYS 64738]

Hm, usually, i guess, that the OS comes on a different CD than the drivers. But your are right, as far as i remember there were some issues with certain resellers, who "bind" their delivered OS CDs to their system (dongling). However, there are -absolutely legal- ways to get a fully functional OS out of this CDs. One of the simplest approaches is the use of start-up disks which are freely available even from Microsoft.
But i guess that you have to elaborate an individual solution for some vendors occasionally. I never had to get concerned with this in detail, but i remember that i have read about this several times in popular computer magazines.

To ErikAlbert:
I can fully understand your upset about this activation procedure. My experience is, that i didn't face any problems in activating via phone. Gladly, MS does not license their OS like vendors of antivirus software, so you would have to purchase a new license yearly. But i expect this to come for sure one day.

[ashishtx]

I had to do activate windows recently Via phone with automated system. It was fairly easy, although i had to tell them that i upgraded my RAM.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "I had to do activate windows recently Via phone with automated system. It was fairly easy, although i had to tell them that i upgraded my RAM." }-
The fact that they force you and me to call them, means they got you.
They have now power over you and me and that is just the beginning.
We honest users are the real victims, not the pirates and the activation code is just a new challenge for skilled crack writers, if it isn't beaten already.

[19monty64]

We are the victims of shop-lifters when we pay higher retail prices. We are the victims of insurance-fraud when we pay outrageous rates for auto-insurance. We are all victims of one crime or another. It's like Vegas, "it may be crooked, but it's the only game in town!"

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
I have installed several XPs on the same machines more that three times without a problem - including activation that is.
Mrk

[Firecat]

-{ Quote: "Hello,
I have installed several XPs on the same machines more that three times without a problem - including activation that is.
Mrk" }-
I know...I think I was able to do it fifteen times before my time ran out. But that was in 2005, maybe the policy is changed now....:-\

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
I'm taking more recent days, but never mind.
Either way, I also have XP from its olden days, when there was no activation - before SP1. So with slipstreamed SP2, it's a bonbon.
Mrk

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "I know...I think I was able to do it fifteen times before my time ran out. But that was in 2005, maybe the policy is changed now....:-\" }-
The policy must have been changed, otherwise I wouldn't have a problem.
On my previous computer, I installed win2000pro many times, there was no activation.
On my new computer, I installed winXPproSP2 a few times, probably 3 (I don't remember) and the message says clear, that I reached my limit, so I have to call M$ in Brussels to fix it, there is no other way.
So don't compare my situation with yours, because the dates are different.
In the future I will restore an IMAGE with an activated WinXPproSP2 during each re-installation from scratch. Case closed.
BUT that doesn't mean, I'm happy with these crippled activations. These companies only thought about themselves without any consideration for the user.
Users are hardly a problem, most of them are sheeps. are not organized and don't have any power to do something.

[tradetime]

-{ Quote: "I don't get it,its my understanding that this so called OEM versions are tailormade to fit the machines they are made for,you said "any" right,so what happen if i install an HP OEM on an Acer with different hardware,its likely not good to do,or am i missing something !?!" }-
Whilst OEM software may be, as in the case of your example "tailor made" when the firm binds this into its recovery cd, it is not always the case, if you search for oem versions of MS you will find copies that are for install on any machine,. In your example it is HP that adapts it so that it is for their machine not MS.
It was however my understanding that when an OEM OS is installed on a machine and registered, it is tied to that machine.

[wilbertnl]

-{ Quote: "Since I cannot activate WinXPproSP2 anymore on my computer, I was wondering how many times you can activate WinXPproSP2 and some other members too." }-
Microsoft has offices in Belgium and Luxemburg (http://www.microsoft.com/belux/nl/about/contact/default.mspx).
I would think that you can use a local phone number and call the European activation center.
I called the USA activation center a couple times and it's really no big deal.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "Microsoft has offices in Belgium and Luxemburg (http://www.microsoft.com/belux/nl/about/contact/default.mspx).
I would think that you can use a local phone number and call the European activation center.
I called the USA activation center a couple times and it's really no big deal." }-
The phone-number is mentioned on the phone activation screen and also a general phone number.
I don't like to call and to confess why I need it, that is my business, not theirs.
I paid for it and that should be more than enough.
If I was younger, I was learning Linux already, but not anymore. OS doesn't really interest me, applications do.

[Firecat]

Today I reformatted my HD and installed Windows XP Home edition (OEM) from scratch. Tried to activate, and this time, instead of telling me that "the max number of activations has been exceeded and you must contact a MS representative now", it tells me "The max number of activations has been exceeded and you must now enter a new product key". Like hell I'm going to buy a new license. I phoned MS again and then the automated activation wouldn't give me my confirmation ID. So I had to talk to a customer service represenative. Fortunately the representative sorted the problem out and I was able to activate successfully.

Not exactly the best experience, however I guess I must be grateful I didn't have to shell out $$$ in the end!

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "Today I reformatted my HD and installed Windows XP Home edition (OEM) from scratch. Tried to activate, and this time, instead of telling me that "the max number of activations has been exceeded and you must contact a MS representative now", it tells me "The max number of activations has been exceeded and you must now enter a new product key". Like hell I'm going to buy a new license. I phoned MS again and then the automated activation wouldn't give me my confirmation ID. So I had to talk to a customer service represenative. Fortunately the representative sorted the problem out and I was able to activate successfully.

Not exactly the best experience, however I guess I must be grateful I didn't have to shell out $$$ in the end!" }-
You were in the very same situation like me and I also have that message.
When you format your harddisk you also remove the files WPA.DBL and WPA.BAK and when that happens your activation counter is increased with 1 and when you reach the limit, you can't activate Windows anymore, unless you call them.
If you don't format your harddisk, you can install Windows again without troubles, but their are consequences and one of them is that your folder "My Documents" will be empty. So that solution sucks too.
Besides lots of users format or zero their harddisk completely before they install Windows from scratch, to get rid of all possible infections.

You just don't have the freedom anymore to do whatever you want with your computer, even when you have paid for it, have a valid serial number and didn't change any hardware.

Wait until you have a bunch of softwares with activation and want to re-install your computer from scratch. Each software will require a phone-call or email to make a re-activation possible.
Each new software I saw on the internet until now, has already activation, this is just the beginning.

[19monty64]

I bought this pc with XP-Pro pre-installed. I recently did a re4mat (with the included recovery-disk) for the 4th time, which required re-activation. Does anyone know what the activation-limit is (on that same machine)???

[Huupi]

-{ Quote: "Since I cannot activate WinXPproSP2 anymore on my computer, I was wondering how many times you can activate WinXPproSP2 and some other members too.

According X-Setup Pro, some kind of tweaking software, which I'm trialing at this moment,
I've read this information accidently.


I hope you do remember your number of activations or you are in the same boat like me, one day.

I didn't know anything about this. I simply assumed, that as long my hardware didn't change, I could activate WinXPproSP2 an unlimited times and that would be logical.

Microsoft seems to control these components :
01. Processor Model
02. Processor Serial Number
03. RAM Size
04. Graphics Adapter
05. IDE Controller
06. SCSI Host Adapter
07. Harddrive
08. CD-ROM Drive
09. Volume Serial Number
10. MAC Address
And there is obvious an 11th verification :
11. Number of Activations

I guess that this info is stored in the files :
1. C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WPA.DBL
2. C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WPA.BAK

Isn't that enough to verify the identity of my and your computer ? Obvious not for Microsoft.
After all, I'm a honest guy, who paid €165.00 for WinXPproSP2.

My recent experience with the activation of ShadowProtect wasn't pleasant either.
I'm not going to buy any software with activation anymore as long it is still possible.
I have 3 of them and 2 of them caused already activation problems.
I consider activations as an attack on my personal freedom.

I don't have a problem with activation itself, I have a problem with the way they do it.
1. They don't verify your computer, based on hardware identification (except M$ maybe), they give you some kind of client number during the first installation and call it "Activation Code" or "Machine ID", whatever.
If that number is gone due to formatting of your harddisk, you have to reactivate the software and your activation counter increases with "1".

2. Even when your machine is verified, they still count your activations, because they don't trust their OWN identification method.

3. If the software is installed twice (or more) on the same computer, like in another snapshot, the software gives you a new activation code, which is compared with the previous activation code and then you are wrongly accused of piracy.

That is my problem with activation.

More and more companies will create softwares with activation and they will imitate the same crippled activation method of other companies." }-

Erik,i don't know if you already read this !?!

http://netsecurity.about.com/od/windowsxp/qt/aaqtwinxp0829.htm

[19monty64]

-{ Quote: "http://netsecurity.about.com/od/windowsxp/qt/aaqtwinxp0829.htm" }-
Huupi, thanx for the link. I added that tip to my list of "XP-tips&trix"... and will try it out in 6-12mos???

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "Erik,i don't know if you already read this !?!

http://netsecurity.about.com/od/windowsxp/qt/aaqtwinxp0829.htm" }-
Yes I know that trick and I tried it several times. It doesn't work.
Next time, I will try it again, but I don't depend on it.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "I bought this pc with XP-Pro pre-installed. I recently did a re4mat (with the included recovery-disk) for the 4th time, which required re-activation. Does anyone know what the activation-limit is (on that same machine)???" }-
I mentioned this in my first post : the internet activation works only THREE times, after that only the phone activation will help.

If you want to get rid of activation forever.
Install Windows completely, drivers included, ACTIVATE it and do a backup with your image backup software and keep that image forever.

If you want to re-install Windows on a formatted or zeroed harddisk, restore that image first and then continue with the rest of the installation.
At least that is my theory, never tried it in practice.

It should work, because I don't have any activation problems with restoring an image, but I can't install Windows from scatch anymore. I have to call M$.

PS: That doesn't mean I'm happy now with this image, because that's not the way, I wanted. Besides it's not only Windows, the other activations are also a pain and it will become worse and worse each year.

[Long View]

what was the time frame during which you "activated too often" ? It may be an urban myth but I have read that Microsoft on looks back for the last 90 days.
If this is true then a new activation every 91 days should be allowed as many times as required.

In practice the only "solution" is, as you say, to make an image. I have one machine left without a base image which I will soon move to a new case, replace the hard drives and memory and then reactivate. The CPU, motherboard and graphics remain the same. I know that I have activated this 2 or 3 possibly times. The last time was in 2004 so hopefully Microsoft will not notice.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "what was the time frame during which you "activated too often" ? It may be an urban myth but I have read that Microsoft on looks back for the last 90 days.
If this is true then a new activation every 91 days should be allowed as many times as required." }-
I don't remember anything, because I didn't expect that M$ would count my activations, when I installed WinXPproSP2 on the VERY SAME computer WITHOUT any hardware changes.
I only know for sure that I re-installed WinXPproSP2 a few times with activations.

I couldn't see any counter on the internet activation screen either. This counter would have warned me and I would have taken my precautions.
As always M$ has no brains, only money. M$ is never able to create good solutions. Their WGA doesn't work either and creates nothing but other problems. Look at M$ security, just a bunch of little security softwares without any structure or plan.

[Long View]

-{ Quote: "Their WGA doesn't work either and creates nothing but other problems. Look at M$ security, just a bunch of little security softwares without any structure or plan." }-

A couple of times I have disabled my network connections and then forgotten and rebooted to get a message demanding activation ( sorry can't remember the wording). booting from my Acronis Disk has always sorted the problem.

[19monty64]

-{ Quote: "Yes MS monitors 11 components. Isn't there a 50 times rule for some installations?" }-
This is what I was refering to as I have re4matted 4 (or 5) times with no probs with onLine activation, but my disk was not an installation disk-it's the factory recovery disk! It seems maybe MS favors the factoy installs but gives a hard time to those who purchase the (over-priced) installation-disks. I have an xpHome inst.-disk that I activated 2-3 times, and don't look forward to the long distance charges that I know I'll have to pay the next time I use it! HAD I KNOWN THAT I WOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT IT!!!

[ErikAlbert]

Windows isn't my main concern, I'm more worried about the future, when all paid softwares start using activation.

[19monty64]

Almost makes you want to start looking into the freeware market, eh?

[bigc73542]

I can't help but wonder what you guys are doing wrong. I have in the past owned several computer shops and have installed and reinstalled windows thousands of time without the problems you are having Even when there had been major hardware changes. when I was trialing Vista I probably had it reinstalled six or seven times and had to call MS suppost only on the last time and they activated it with out problem. And I promise you if you would dump about ninty percent of the excess imaging and security software and just installed a good AV.AS/AT and firewall and just use and enjoy your computer and quit worring about everything that maybe in an alternative universe might infect your computer your comps would run 100% better. It took me many years to realize that, and amazingly without all of the security crap I used to think I had to have, my computer is still not infected and runs much better without all of the excess baggage.

bigc

P.S.
security PARANOIA is a very easy trap to fall into.

[Long View]

-{ Quote: " And I promise you if you would dump about ninty percent of the excess imaging and security software and just installed a good AV.AS/AT and firewall

" }-

Get rid of the AV.AS/AT and machine runs better still.

[bigc73542]

-{ Quote: "Get rid of the AV.AS/AT and machine runs better still." }-


I am not that stupid yet :thumbd:

[Long View]

-{ Quote: "Windows isn't my main concern, I'm more worried about the future, when all paid softwares start using activation." }-

Activation is still very much a minority sport. Hopefully those who do require activation will do the same as Scansoft (and others). You activate on machine A and when you want to run the program on Machine B you unistall and deactivate as you do so. Not all companies are as primitive as M$

[bigc73542]

LongView I agree fully with you on that. I believe that is probably the road most software companies will take :thumb:

[Long View]

-{ Quote: "LongView I agree fully with you on that. I believe that is probably the road most software companies will take :thumb:" }-

Thanks - you had me worried in post #47. Just for a moment I had to consider the possibility that it was my stupidity which had kept me virus and malware free all these years as opposed to me just being lucky ;D

[bigc73542]

(Just for a moment I had to consider the possibility that it was my stupidity which had kept me virus and malware free all these years as opposed to me just being lucky )


In the real world I think it takes a little of both.;D

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "Activation is still very much a minority sport. Hopefully those who do require activation will do the same as Scansoft (and others). You activate on machine A and when you want to run the program on Machine B you unistall and deactivate as you do so. Not all companies are as primitive as M$" }-
Minority ? Forget it, more and more companies are already using activation and the list will get longer during the years. All the softwares, I'm interested in have activation. If it seems to work for other companies, all other companies will follow.
Do I have to remember all these different activation methods ? I have better things to do. I paid for them, I agree with a serial number, I agree with a REAL activation method not a crippled one, but nothing more than that.
This is good for Linux and freewares of course.

[19monty64]

-{ Quote: "I can't help but wonder what you guys are doing wrong. I have in the past owned several computer shops and have installed and reinstalled windows thousands of time without the problems you are having Even when there had been major hardware changes. when I was trialing Vista I probably had it reinstalled six or seven times and had to call MS suppost only on the last time and they activated it with out problem." }- I have not had the prob yet (knock on wood) -{ Quote: "And I promise you if you would dump about ninty percent of the excess imaging and security software and just installed a good AV.AS/AT and firewall and just use and enjoy your computer and quit worring about everything that maybe in an alternative universe might infect your computer your comps would run 100% better. It took me many years to realize that, and amazingly without all of the security crap I used to think I had to have, my computer is still not infected and runs much better without all of the excess baggage." }- A/V and HIPS is all I have
-{ Quote: "
bigc

P.S.
security PARANOIA is a very easy trap to fall into." }- I'm getting another (used) pc without an OS and will be using an xpHome install-disk that I have. When I read the 3 limit, I panicked. A "MS-induced"
paranoia, so to speak.

[Peter2150]

How or what security software is run is really not part of the subject of the thread. Please stay on topic.

Pete

[Perman]

Hi, folks: Is there any incident that MS$ requires online activation instead of telephone contact? I remember the only time I need to activate WinXP home is after I reinstall O/S with supplied recovery disc. I have made two more reinstallation w/ the same disc, but was not prompted to activate it again. Perhaps different makes of pc or different Windows disc have different arrangements with MS$ ?

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "Hi, folks: Is there any incident that MS$ requires online activation instead of telephone contact? I remember the only time I need to activate WinXP home is after I reinstall O/S with supplied recovery disc. I have made two more reinstallation w/ the same disc, but was not prompted to activate it again. Perhaps different makes of pc or different Windows disc have different arrangements with MS$ ?" }-
1 time + 2 times = 3 times - that is possible - you might have an activation problem next time, which will result in a phone-activation.
Maybe your disk wasn't formatted or zeroed, which allows a re-install without activation.

[ErikAlbert]

Can somebody describe how a phone activation works, because I like to be prepared when I call.
1. I know you have to call a number, which is displayed on the screen.
2. You have to give M$ a very long number, which is also displayed the screen.
3. Then you get a long number back from M$.
4. What next ?

My main question is : do you need an internet connection during that phone activation or not ?
I noticed that the connection to the server isn't always working for internet activation, even when MS Internet Explorer was working properly.

TIA.

PS: moving WPA.DBL/WPA.BAK from a previous activated Windows to a new unactivated Windows in "safe mode" does NOT work in practice.

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
You could try live CD...
This might save you the hassle.
Mrk

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "Hello,
You could try live CD...
This might save you the hassle.
Mrk" }-
What is a live CD ?

[19monty64]

-{ Quote: "What is a live CD ?" }-
Linux, that you can boot into instead of installing???

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "Hello,
You could try live CD...
This might save you the hassle.
Mrk" }-
Linux ? I'm talking about WinXPproSP2.

[19monty64]

-{ Quote: "Linux ? I'm talking about WinXPproSP2." }-
Not sure how that would help??? I have a live-cd of xubuntu, in case of problems with windows though???

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
You can use ANY live CD with the ability to read and write to NTFS partitions, like BartPE, UBCD4WIN, Knoppix, and then copy the relevant files to and fro.
Simple, regardless what is installed on the comp.
Mrk

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: "Hello,
You can use ANY live CD with the ability to read and write to NTFS partitions, " }-
How would that assist Erik to activate WinXP?

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
He stated that copying files in safe mode does not work.
Maybe copying them when the OS on the hard is dormant might work.
He'll have to try and see, if he wants.
Mrk

[Defenestration]

As you alluded to early in this thread Erik, a way to get around it is to take a backup image of you system immediately after XP has been installed and activated. Then install your other apps that have on-line activation and activate them, followed by taking another backup image.

Not ideal, but..... :)

[SYS 64738]

-{ Quote: "Can somebody describe how a phone activation works, because I like to be prepared when I call.
1. I know you have to call a number, which is displayed on the screen.
2. You have to give M$ a very long number, which is also displayed the screen.
3. Then you get a long number back from M$.
4. What next ?

My main question is : do you need an internet connection during that phone activation or not ?
I noticed that the connection to the server isn't always working for internet activation, even when MS Internet Explorer was working properly.
" }-


I called the toll free number displayed on the screen. You have the choice to input the long number via the phone buttons, which doesn't work for me, however. As far as i remember i were offered to be connected to a human. I told the person, that i would like to activate Win XP. She asked for the displayed number, which i dictated slowly in blocks of three.

Obviously she typed the number in and after that was finished an automatic voice takes over, telling me the activation code. This happened slowly, with a break after each block of numbers after which there is the possibility to let the voice repeat it. I wrote this number down on paper and type it in after the phone call was completed.

I chosed the phone activation because at that time i hadn't any internet connection, so this is not needed.

[ErikAlbert]

-{ Quote: "I called the toll free number displayed on the screen. You have the choice to input the long number via the phone buttons, which doesn't work for me, however. As far as i remember i were offered to be connected to a human. I told the person, that i would like to activate Win XP. She asked for the displayed number, which i dictated slowly in blocks of three.

Obviously she typed the number in and after that was finished an automatic voice takes over, telling me the activation code. This happened slowly, with a break after each block of numbers after which there is the possibility to let the voice repeat it. I wrote this number down on paper and type it in after the phone call was completed.

I chosed the phone activation because at that time i hadn't any internet connection, so this is not needed." }-
Thanks alot SYS, this info really helps. I know now at least what I can expect from such phone activation and it won't be so new to me anymore, because this is my very first time. :)

[ErikAlbert]

Finally, I have my activated WinXPproSP2 back.

I had to type 9 x 6 digits = 54 digits on my cell-phone, like this :
123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456
and don't make ONE mistake, because you have 54 chances to make such a mistake !!!

Then I got a female voice, who asked me : how many computers do you have.
My honest, but agitated answer : only ONE computer.

Then she connected me to a recorded voice and I had to write 7 x 6 digits = 42 digits on paper, like this :
123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456-123456
and don't make ONE mistake again, this time only 42 chances to make one !!!
Then I typed these digits in my activation screen.

To my big surprise, it WORKED. I was stupified, I never expected this would work, not from Microsoft.
No need to tell you, that I did a backup/restore of 3 images, I don't want to go through this again.
What a brilliant solution : 96 digits to activate WinXPproSP2 by phone. ::)

Then I tried to patch WinXPproSP2 via "Windows Update", but that was a disaster : bad connection. I probably asked too much from Microsoft in one day.
I think my problems aren't over yet : WPA is OK now, but what about WGA ?
Win2000pro was alot easier, I can tell you that. :)

[Mrkvonic]

Hello,
I have done phone activation at least 2-3 times, as well.
Always talked to someone in Germany.
Mrk