Windows activation :(

ginger_pat · 12 Apr 2008 at 12:08

Ok so i have formatted my hard drie a few times and recently i did it again sue to viruses ect.
so i went to activate with my bought code and it said i have used it too many times.

I dont want to upgrade to vista yet and don't wish to fork out more money for an activation code

what can i do guys

Thanks pat

Slinwagh · 12 Apr 2008 at 12:10

Use the over the phone based activation, a MS bod with then give you a code to type in.

ginger_pat · 12 Apr 2008 at 12:13

This didnt work just told me they are having problems but i know i have used the key too many times

PCDave · 12 Apr 2008 at 12:17

ring back a bit later just explain you had to reformat your hd and they normally give u a new activation code to enter just make sure u are on the activation screen at your pc when they ask you for details

mick4545 · 12 Apr 2008 at 16:16

I format regularly and had to phone MS for a new activation code for XP, no problem, just a PITA. When I moved to Vista, I did a basic installation, got everything as I wanted it. Then activated and backed up to an external drive with Acronis.

After a few days of experimenting, loading junk, trying different things, I re installed my basic backup, no need to re activate, and no problems in the future however many times I re install.

csmager · 12 Apr 2008 at 16:48

What do you mean you know you've installed it too many times? There's no limit! The only limit is online activations - phone up and all will be ok.

MarcLister · 12 Apr 2008 at 17:13

I've had this before. Just ring them up and they ask for some info and when its all kosher and A-OK they give you a special code to type in.

RobH · 12 Apr 2008 at 18:22

Yeah I have had this before when I replaced a dead hard drive, it's strange because I had reinstalled XP on the machine several times in the past but when the hard drive died it didn't seem to want to activate with the new one. Phoned up MS and they sorted it out. The only thing I can think of is that I replaced an IDE drive with a SATA one other than that it could just be a random glitch.

ginger_pat · 12 Apr 2008 at 20:17

ok well sorted now just annoying

thanks