Does xp pro require activation?

[oboyco]

I've been told it doesn't.
The reason I'm asking is because I want to upgrade my OS now, and in the near future upgrade my cpu and mb. Don't really want to go thru the hassle of having to activate, or not being able to activate, thru MS for changing "the original computer", as described by MS, as the mb.

[odoe]

All retail versions of XP require activation. The version that does not require activation is Corporate, but you need to buy a certain amount to get volume licensing.

Check
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default.mspx

I'm not sure if just anyone can buy Volume licenses though, but we have enough pros here, I'm sure someone knows.

[SJConsultant]

All retail versions of XP require activation. The version that does not require activation is Corporate, but you need to buy a certain amount to get volume licensing.

Check
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/default.mspx

I'm not sure if just anyone can buy Volume licenses though, but we have enough pros here, I'm sure someone knows.

Anyone can buy a volume license of XP Pro, just be ready to shell out enough money to cover the minimum purchase of 5 licenses.

[feigned]

Anyone can buy a volume license of XP Pro, just be ready to shell out enough money to cover the minimum purchase of 5 licenses.
Yeah. Same goes for Office. Five copies and you've got yourself a VLK. Usually you can just buy the special media and the five licenses and not have to keep track of five disks.

[Drucifer]

Last time I checked, with the VLK, you got media (1 copy!) and the paper licenses. Of course, things might be different know, but somehow I doubt it.

[hulksterjoe]

Last time I checked, with the VLK, you got media (1 copy!) and the paper licenses. Of course, things might be different know, but somehow I doubt it.

nope... you need to order the media, MS dosent give you anything for free. Aside from the Microsoft Open License Order Confirmation ..you dont get squat, in fact the confirmation just gives you the authorization number and license number so you can log onto https://eopen.microsoft.com and retrieve the codes...

its paperless unless you decide to hit the print button

[roaringsx]

Last time I checked, with the VLK, you got media (1 copy!) and the paper licenses. Of course, things might be different know, but somehow I doubt it.

Nope things are still the same. Last time i bought licenses (about 1 month ago) that is what happened. I got 1 cd and a paper copy of the amount of licenses I wanted. The nice thing is it's the same license for all machines.

[hulksterjoe]

The other thing is that people need to stop worrying about activation.. Christ it took you longer to type this thread and get your first response then not worrying about it and just doing it.

[Zepher]

Activation only takes a minute or two.
I activated the same copy of XP 3 times one week since I had to keep reinstalling the OS due to the Matrox RTX.100 software/hardware not working correctly.

[djnes]

The other thing is that people need to stop worrying about activation.. Christ it took you longer to type this thread and get your first response then not worrying about it and just doing it.
It's about time that went into print somewhere. I am using my VLK HP license (legally, because I do work and testing on my home PC), but I've had to activate several copies for friends and relatives. It really is painless.

[S1nF1xx]

And if you're planning on reinstalling XP on the same computer with no hardware changes, just backup your activation info.
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/kbase/WindowsTips/WindowsXP/UserTips/Miscellaneous/BackupRestoreXPActivation.html