Windows XP activation problem

  • Thread starter Mark T
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Mark T

Mark T

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I recently upgraded my computer with new motherboard, processor, etc & I had to reinstall Windows XP. When activating it online it said that I had exceeded my usage & I would have to purchase another key. Is there anyway to get round this legally?
 
If you are indeed using a legit key, call Microshaft, they have a toll-free number in every country for this specific type of thing...
 
pimpin_t
I recently upgraded my computer with new motherboard, processor, etc & I had to reinstall Windows XP. When activating it online it said that I had exceeded my usage & I would have to purchase another key. Is there anyway to get round this legally?
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If it is a real copy, just call microsoft, they will fix the problem for you, for sure.
 
I called the number but I there was no option to go through to an operator.
 
pimpin_t
I called the number but I there was no option to go through to an operator.
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Really. There should be... I had to call MS once to get my copy of XP activated because somehow I'd entered my cd-key wrong. I was able to talk to an operator who helped me fix the problem.

When I told the automated phone system the wrong cd-key on accident it automatically transferred me to the operator who helped me.
 
Matrixhasu77
Really. There should be... I had to call MS once to get my copy of XP activated because somehow I'd entered my cd-key wrong. I was able to talk to an operator who helped me fix the problem.

When I told the automated phone system the wrong cd-key on accident it automatically transferred me to the operator who helped me.
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I got through late last night. I had to keep entering the wrong code on purpose to get through to someone. When I did eventually get through I couldn't understand what the operator was saying. Got there in the end though.
 
donbenni
So what was the problem?
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Basically, in the past I have had to format my hard drive & had to activate Windows XP every time it was reinstalled. I recently upgraded my computer with a new hardrive, processor & motherboard. I reinstalled windows but when I went to activate it online there was a warning that my CD key had been registered quite a few times before. Your copy of Windows XP registers itself to the hardware in your computer, when the hardware changes Windows XP thinks that one copy is being used on several machines.
 
Yes, XP creates a "hardware hash". They're cagey on how they do it, but it's known to be built up from the major components of the system. I would say that if you replaced the motherboard AND the processor in one step they would have reasonable grounds to suspect it of being a different computer.
 
GilesGuthrie
Yes, XP creates a "hardware hash". They're cagey on how they do it, but it's known to be built up from the major components of the system. I would say that if you replaced the motherboard AND the processor in one step they would have reasonable grounds to suspect it of being a different computer.
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I assume it's the only secure way for them to protect there software. It's just annoying if you upgrade on a regular basis.
 
pimpin_t
I assume it's the only secure way for them to protect there software. It's just annoying if you upgrade on a regular basis.
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And it's not that secure anyway. Certain XP keys will let you bypass activation as well as their Genuine Software thingy...
 

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