XP re-activation after new MB

F

freakyhair

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 22, 2002
Messages
475
I'm sure this has been brought up before, but here goes anyway...

I'm installing a new MB/CPU in my computer this weekend. I own Windows XP Pro retail, and I've installed new MB's before, and everytime, I have to call in to activate, and I just tell them my old MB crapped out, and I had to install a new one.

Is there a limit to how many times I can do this? I truly only have it installed on this one 'computer'. I'm keeping the same VC, memory, HD's and OD's...

Thanks.
 
I believe there is a limit, but that it expires every 6 months or so. Assuming you don't make this a monthly thing, you shouldn't have an issue.
 
OK good. I do a fresh install every 1-2 years, and also upgrade mobo/CPU in the same intervals (not always at the same time).

Thanks again.
 
You mentioned that you had a retail copy. There are no installation limits on the retail copy (well, other than you can only install it on the one machine).

The OEM copies are what has the limitations.
 
Ive had them tell me no, I hung up and called back and someone else activated it.
loloutsourcing.
 
I think the only limitation would be only one computer and that you could do it as many times as you needed, if it wasn't abused (calling in every other day). In my experience, they have only asked a few questions and I had to state that I had reinstalled XP and it existed only on one machine.
 
Rofl-Mic-Lofl said:
Ive had them tell me no, I hung up and called back and someone else activated it.
loloutsourcing.
Click to expand...

On a full retail version? Interesting.

I can see that on an OEM version, but I wasn't aware of any limitations on the number of installs for a retail installation.
 
How would they know how many times you have activated it anyway if you do it over the phone and not the internet?
 
Like what? When you do phone activation you read them the generated code and they read back an unlock code. There is no information transmitted that would identify your specific copy of the OS. You would have to provide them with the product code or serial number to do that, which you don't do on phone activation.
 
I did 6 XP Pro re-installs in one day and didn't have any issues. They were all OEM editions as that is what was donated (some units were XPH which we just pulled parts out of) The Activation code you tell them over the phone tells them what your Product ID is. They use decryption to tell if the product key is legit. I've only had trouble 1 time in getting it activated. But when I got the internet hooked in right it worked fine. I've only had to call in 2-3 times in the 35+ times I've activated windows XPP/H & Server 2k3.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top