Re-Activation of Windows XP

ikthius · 11-05-2005, 14:49

I have had a strange request from my operating system.

it asked me to re-activate windows XP because since I first installed it, it has changed dramatically.

All I have done is put more memory in, add a DVD writer, and add a router. not that dramatic!

I was wondering if anyone else has had this request?
and what is the point in it?

ik

11-05-2005, 14:51

The memory and DVD writer probably did it

its designed to check that the same copy of XP isnt installed on two different sets of hardware. However the weakness is that as you can only change 3 (i think, could be wrong) components and it then goes through this process.

dilli-theclaw · 11-05-2005, 14:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikthius

I have had a strange request from my operating system.

it asked me to re-activate windows XP because since I first installed it, it has changed dramatically.

All I have done is put more memory in, add a DVD writer, and add a router. not that dramatic!

I was wondering if anyone else has had this request?
and what is the point in it?

ik

Have a look at this...

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,10426,00.asp

And I have only had this request once. But a quick call to Microsoft and they gave me the code.

Paul K · 11-05-2005, 14:54

You're allowed X hardware changes in a set number of months before it triggers the activation issue. It's to stop the same product key being installed on multiple PCs against the product license terms

ikthius · 11-05-2005, 15:04

ok, so I may get it again if I change a few things again. not to worry.

it is just that it happens at start up and my internt connection is not fully established then, only when my zonealarm is started does it let me on the net.

thanks anyway guys

ik

Paul K · 11-05-2005, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikthius

ok, so I may get it again if I change a few things again. not to worry.

it is just that it happens at start up and my internt connection is not fully established then, only when my zonealarm is started does it let me on the net.

thanks anyway guys

ik

Tell it to activate later and then hit the activate windows (should be accessories, system tools) or you can open the Windows Product Activation Wizard by clicking Start, then Run, and then typing "oobe/msoobe /a".

ikthius · 11-05-2005, 15:25

I done that last night, and it said that it was already activated, then as I turned on the computer today it came up with the same problem that I have to activate windows.

ik

Paul K · 11-05-2005, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikthius

I done that last night, and it said that it was already activated, then as I turned on the computer today it came up with the same problem that I have to activate windows.

ik

Activation loop is a different problem, you may want to give it a couple of reboots to see if it keeps happening. If it does it will need sorting out but I think it's just a registry key deletion, reboot and activation to repair the corrupted registry key.

AndrewJ · 11-05-2005, 17:21

I hate activation... gotta love xp corp.

MrBen · 11-05-2005, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

in a set number of months before it triggers the activation issue.

From memory, it is 120 days.

Ben