Ok here is the scenario.
I have a fully paid for Legit copy of Windows XP installed on my main PC not a problem and it is stable and works well.
Some time ago I bought a Lap Top from a Computer Fair for £30 (bargain).
The Lap Top has a few problems hence the price and usually wont hold the charge for too long but it actually serves my purpose quite well as I only use it as portable to mainly type up Word Documents in the downstairs part of the house so does te job it is designed for at a minimum cost etc.
Now as the Laptop is a tad bit unstable and not worth money to repair, usually once a month or so I have to reinstall the Operating System.
However after reading a recent article in Computer Active I notice that it states it is no longer possible to activate Windows XP Online and this is where my problem arises so to speak as on the Laptop I use XP but shall we say cough ahem cough a not so legitimate copy i.e. copy and key gen version which has up to know worked perfectly through the online activation.
So the next time it comes for a reinstall then I have a few options use my legit copy to activate and hope my main PC does not fall over which leaves me with a few questions which I am hoping someone may be able to assist with.
1. Anyone tried this recently i.e. activating a legit copy more than once as apparently this has to be done by phone now with a series of questions.
2. Has anyone managed to register by a phone a not so legit copy and as it used to online get past the activation check is this the same by phone.
3. Would it be best not to risk either and the next time the Lap Top needs reinstalling just install another copy of Windows earlier versions as I have legit Versions with serial keys of 98/98se etc.
The article is very vague and says Microsoft could refuse activation which will freeze the computer and conceded that they may make some allowances as they have no way of knowing if the software is legit.
Surely if the dodgy activation code can bypass their online checks they would be less likely to detect it via the phone and a few questions.
I could be reading into this too much and maybe it is just MS just scaremongering people thinking people would be less likely to ring up with a dodgy key gen code which they cannot detect etc.
Anyhow grateful for any advice or previous experiences people have had with this.
I am not trying to rip them off here just looking at my options as I am quite happy to reinstall the Legit copy but donââ‚Âà ‚¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢t want risk my main PC should that go wrong as the Lap Top is mainly only used as a glorified portable type write for me type documents downstairs and then save them to my main desk top PC with the least expense.
Thanks in advance for any advice given.
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