XP Activation Query

mmj_uk · 27 Apr 2007 at 08:49

Can anyone confirm if whether this is true? and if so what's the threshold for the change counter reset?

f you do have to reactivate XP, it doesn't mean you have to buy another copy, but you'll have to call Microsoft and get the company to issue you another activation ID. The threat of constant reactivation provoked such a serious public furor that Microsoft lightened up considerably on its reactivation trigger, and now indicates that it may reset your "change counter" sometime after 30, 60, or 90 or more days of using the same hardware.

chris74 · 27 Apr 2007 at 10:56

I wouldnt worry about it. I have an oem license and everytime i reformat i get the message that i have exceeded the 25 limit. You can call microsoft and they just ask some silly questions like how many computers you have your xp on or do what i do wait half an hour and reactivate it again over the internet. Works a treat.

Vista on the other hand is where they are going to be more strict. Give them their due. Even though they know that something like a third of all xp copies out there are illegal they still let them have crtitcal updates.

Chris

mmj_uk · 27 Apr 2007 at 15:18

Well my new stuff arrived today, it's an entire new system except for floppy drive/video/sound card and it re-activated fine using the one click online process, so I'm guessing my change counter was reset (it would be handy to know how long following an activation they reset it).

Must say I am glad I don't believe it's fair to have to ring Microsoft and be interrogated by their phone staff each time you do a big upgrade.

Nefarious · 27 Apr 2007 at 15:27

I think their attitude to the Vista licencing is outrageous. Given that the licence is now merely short-term (you have to buy a new copy for a new installation) I think they could have at least reduced the price.

The fact that they have managed to get this past the public without anyone kicking up a fuss is impressive to say the least...

iCraig · 27 Apr 2007 at 15:33

mmj_uk said:
Must say I am glad I don't believe it's fair to have to ring Microsoft and be interrogated by their phone staff each time you do a big upgrade.

Interrogated? I've only ever been asked if this copy of XP is installed on any other machines. That's all.

If you upgrade your hardware I've never had to reactivate, only when it's basically a new PC. New motherboard/CPU/GPU etc. In which case technically your OEM copy doesn't cover your new PC anyway.

iCraig · 27 Apr 2007 at 15:35

Nefarious said:
I think their attitude to the Vista licencing is outrageous. Given that the licence is now merely short-term (you have to buy a new copy for a new installation)

Are you talking about the OEM license? If your installing the OEM copy on a new computer more than once, of course you should be expected to buy a new license. The OEM is for one build. Otherwise, buy the retail version.

It's like buying a fishing licence that lasts 28 days and then after 34 days walking back into the post office and asking for a new one free of charge. :confused:

mmj_uk · 27 Apr 2007 at 17:08

iCraig said:
Interrogated? I've only ever been asked if this copy of XP is installed on any other machines. That's all.

Yeah interrogated, that's what happened before when I had to call them (my only ever time), the guy i spoke to must have had a two page questionnaire to fill in it was like being on master mind.

MarcLister · 27 Apr 2007 at 18:43

mmj_uk said:
Yeah interrogated, that's what happened before when I had to call them (my only ever time), the guy i spoke to must have had a two page questionnaire to fill in it was like being on master mind.

What was your specialist subject? "Thinking WTF have all these questions got to do with me?"

I've had no problems ringing MS before. Just say Yes I own the licence and No its not on any other computers. No problems and I get a new reactivation code.