[stilz]

Hi guys,
Due to a problem with my PC (that's been driving me crazy), I've reinstalled Win XP for about 5-7 times in order to identify a problem. In my last attempt to activate Windows over the net, it tells me that the key I use have exceeded the maximum number of activation. Obviously my response was "WTH!?". I bought my copy of Windows from school so it's legit. What I'd like to know first is that if anyone has had similar experience, and if so, the solution. If dealing with MS does not help, I'd like to know the alternatives (please PM if necessary). Thank you.
I'm pretty upset about this. I know it's their way to prevent someone from installing a copy on 500 machines, but if I already paid for it, why should I be limited as to how many times I can reinstall/activate? Feel free to comment, etc.

BTW, I'm running Knoppix right now. I found it easier to use than Mandrake 10; last time I tried it, it took me 2 hours to figure out to play MP3s on a CD (I'm a GUI newb :emb: ). What really surprises me is that it supports NTFS. I thought Linux doesn't do that?

 

[masque]

I'm going to assume that a forum glitch caused you to double post.

I've got a friend that has done the same thing. You're supposed to call their activation phone number, and after you fail it should transfer you to a live person. He was kind of vague on what transpired there (forgetful fellow) but they gave him a new key and nulled his old one. As long as you have an encyclopedic knowlege of your computer hardware I'd say you're good.

Just curious what that "problem" is?

 

[stilz]

The forum was really slow when I tried to post for some reason. I guess the mod deleted my double, thanks.

The "problem" is BSODs or just plain shutdown. I've unplugged all non-essential parts of my PC and checked HDDs and RAMs /w software. I'm now 70% sure that the problem is either with the mobo and/or PSU, but I have yet to be able to make absolutely sure since the BSODs/shutdowns occurs randomly.

Thanks. I'll give MS call.

 

[Kirby]

some OEM versions of Windows XP only allow you activate a certain number of times. Maybe your copy is one of these OEM versions. Since you bought this at a school for a discount, I don't doubt if it is a OEM version

 

[stilz]

Yes, it is an OEM version. That doesn't mean I'm screwed does it?

 

[Kirby]

Yes, it is an OEM version. That doesn't mean I'm screwed does it?

technically yes.....your license only paid for x amount of activations, and you odviously used them all.

3 choices: 1) activate through the phone (I heard that m$ has sympathy with the activation when you had to reinstall due to OS problems)......2) buy another license....3) cross over to the "dark side" :evil:

it wouldn't hurt to call them.....just say that Windows was giving serious problems and you had to reinstall.

 

[masque]

If you're a college student you can get windows about 100 bucks cheaper by buying the "academic version." It's exactly the same as the full retail, except cheaper. I got mine at www.gradware.com

 

[Raiden1803]

/me got his copy of xp pro from his college free :evil:

nways, even if it wasnt a OEM isnt their a certin number of times you can use your key anyway

 

[stilz]

I did purchase somewhat of an academic version, which cost me $8 IIRC; I wouldn't have bought it otherwise.
I just called and got it activated. I think the lady said something about hardware change something have to call to activate or something like that; her voice was really soft so I couldn't hear well. I suppose I'll be stuck with this installation for a while.
Thanks for the replies guys

 

[Raiden1803]

Yeah They really hate alot of hardware changes cuz it confuses the activation sometimes. it happens to alot of us. wouldnt be suprrised. Still not supprised it didnt happen to me though.I was using this same key on my IBM system, when i bulilt this new one it never complained on regestration, guse i got lucky

 

[Valcrist]

I got a full legit copy of xp pro from my visual basic college class, with 15 activations for just 20 bucks :-D

 

[Razor Blade]

It doesn't mean you activated yor product too much and you have to buy a new copy or anything. I did this once. I kept messing around with my computer effing it up and reinstalled windows about 3 times within a week. I got that little message, and just waited two weeks and tried to activate it again and it worked like a charm. If you can't wait (which you have 30 days) than just call microsoft and tell them the problem. But i'd just wait.

 

[Mr. Killjoy]

That's weird how copy-protection bother honest ppl more than the warez users :s
I never had this problem with my not very legit copy of XP Pro except that the default key is banned, and forces me to use a keygen to install SP1 and 2

 

[stilz]

I wouldn't mind waiting, except it won't let me log-in on just the 3rd day or so. then I had to call.

 

[RZetlin]

Screw that. Just get a corporate key. :evil:

It't ironic how the honest users who get punish.

 

[Evil_Neko]

>>It't ironic how the honest users who get punish.

*COUGH*Steam*COUGH*

I got my copy of XP pro free from college... and then dropped out. apparently it has only one activation though because my friend had the same problem as you after buying a new system and trying to install on it. I'll tell him to phone and see if that helps.

 

[masque]

>>It't ironic how the honest users who get punish.

*COUGH*Steam*COUGH*

:thumb:


anyone know what the activation limit is? I've done my Home copy 3 or 4 times without trouble, even after hardware upgrades.

 

[Boltzmann]

The product activation is pure crap. That's why I got a corporate CD key. Now I've no problems anymore

 

[Badaro]

:thumb:


anyone know what the activation limit is? I've done my Home copy 3 or 4 times without trouble, even after hardware upgrades.

I believe you can activate as many times you want, as long as it doesn't detect massive hardware changes in a 1-year period.

[]s Badaro

 

[CD]

Crack it.