Windows XP activation

Bard

Lo...

here's the thing...

I installed Windows XP on my home machine thinking I'd try it out, see if I liked it and if it turned out that I DID like it I'd put it onto the laptop. I did like it, and I've now installed it on the laptop.

Unfortunately, I *ACTIVATED* it on the home machine, - so now the Product ID for that copy of XP is tied to that machine and it's specifications and it won't now let me activate the copy on the laptop (and so it'll time out after 30 days).

Is it possible for me to DE-activate it on the main machine (in uninstalling it, I guess) and activate it then on the laptop?

any thoughts?

jim_bob

why not just get a crack? If you own the copy of XP i can't see the problem. it's proable illegal but it's your copy. Stupid ****ing Micro$oft. what ever happen to privace

Bard

Originally posted by jim_bob
why not just get a crack?

because it's illegal and I'd rather uninstall it on the other PC if it means I can activate it on my laptop.

mayhem#

No worries, just install it on your lappie, call MS (the number should be supplied) and tell them waht you've done.
There should be no problem in getting an activation code.
I've shuffled my Xp between several machines and never had any problem with getting an activation code of MS....

PiE

Bard, you're too honest for your own good ;]

DiscoStu

as far as i know you can install it on your laptop no problem. the activation system allows for the activation of up to 4 machines in any 12 month period with the same code afik.

Clinical Waste

An official line from Microsoft has said that it is okay to run WinXp on both your desktop and your laptop with the same licence. (But technically you shouldn't use them both at the same time)
But activation has to be done via phone.

Also the activation period has been extended to 60 days.

b20uvkft6m5xwg

Originally posted by Bard
Lo...

here's the thing...

I installed Windows XP on my home machine thinking I'd try it out, see if I liked it and if it turned out that I DID like it I'd put it onto the laptop. I did like it, and I've now installed it on the laptop

What a coincidence...me too;)

Should I be worried!?

bonkey

Originally posted by Clinical Waste
An official line from Microsoft has said that it is okay to run WinXp on both your desktop and your laptop with the same licence. (But technically you shouldn't use them both at the same time)
But activation has to be done via phone.

Do you have a link to anywhere that MS have actually confirmed this, or is it just "hearsay official".

No offence, but I heard the same thing about (for example) installing Office on your work and home pc, and then found out from a Microsoftie that such duplication was one of the major license-breaking problems that MS were trying to get around.

jc

Typedef

<anti-ms activation rant curtailed>
I believe you can get a 'corporate patch' for just such purposes, the best thing is it's legal, as m$ released it for corporations who did not want to get a seperate licence for each machine they installed or have to 'activate' windows on every machine they instaled Xp to as that would really be a royal pain.
Corporate patch, it exists, might even be worth you while googling for.

Clinical Waste

Originally posted by bonkey

Do you have a link to anywhere that MS have actually confirmed this, or is it just "hearsay official".
No offence, but I heard the same thing about (for example) installing Office on your work and home pc, and then found out from a Microsoftie that such duplication was one of the major license-breaking problems that MS were trying to get around.
jc

No, I don't have it writing but its from the company -suppose its just "hearsay official". then. And I can't find anything to support it. In fact only a statement confirming 1 licence - 1 PC

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/pricingretail.asp

BTW The corporate/no-activation edition is for multiple-licence sites and requires a licence fee for each machine it is on. No different than buying a 2nd copy of Windows.

Clinical Waste

Originally posted by bonkey

Do you have a link to anywhere that MS have actually confirmed this, or is it just "hearsay official".
No offence, but I heard the same thing about (for example) installing Office on your work and home pc, and then found out from a Microsoftie that such duplication was one of the major license-breaking problems that MS were trying to get around.
jc

Also on the Office installation you mentioned. Here is the quote from Microsoft and the corresponding webpage:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/mpafaq.asp

How many installations can be made with one product license? Has this changed with the introduction of Product Activation?
The underlying principles of Microsoft's software licenses have not changed. Microsoft's End User License Agreements (EULAs) have always stipulated the number of PCs that software can be installed on. Product Activation does not change that. For Office XP, primary users of the software may also install one copy on a laptop computer for their exclusive use. To install Office XP on more than these two devices, another license of the product must be acquired. Licenses for Office XP acquired preinstalled on a new PC are single-PC licenses that cannot be transferred or installed a second time on another PC. The aforementioned licensing terms have not been changed due to Product Activation. Pricing and licensing details are available for Windows XP and Office XP

Occidental

I'm with Mayhem on this one. Have moved activations on MS products a number of times in the last few months and Microsoft are actually quite happy to give you the activation key without a two hour interrogation.

mayhem#

Yep, don't see what all the whinging about the "new" product activation is about.
As long as you stay within the licencing terms it is no hassle whatsoever....

Bard

ok - can anyone tell me the phone number to ring to get microsoft to 'deactivate' it?

mayhem#

You don't need to de-activate it.
Just install it on your lappie and call MS....

Bard

eh yeah... grand

what number do I call?

mayhem#

At the end of the installation you are asked if you want to register by telephone or over the Internet.
Choose the telephone option and it will give you the number...