24 replies to this topic

[C4JuN]

Alright.......

I just setup my 3rd pc for my network/LAN. cept I have a issue with my XP.

I have a legit Copy of XP Pro Service pack 2.... I have it installed on 2 of my pc's no problem.....cept on the 3rd I jsut put together......when I try to activate it it says I have exceeded the limit of the key!?!?!?! I have only used the cd key twice... once on this pc and once on the 2nd................. Will I have to purchase a new cd key jsut to get my 3rd pc setup???


I know I could have asked this elsewhere online but I figure I give yall's guru's a chance to help me out...



Thanks in advance...

[DHC]

well, a single XP disc is only gives u a license for 1 single computer!

yes, ull need to buy another

[RaiDer]

You only have a certain limit to the number of PC's you can install a copy of Windows onto 2/3/5 w/e, looks like you've exceeded yours. Your key may now be invalid, it may fail when you come to use it again on one of the other two PC's.

I've had XP on two machines and, Vista on three, I didn't push it any further.

[C4JuN]

You only have a certain limit to the number of PC's you can install a copy of Windows onto 2/3/5 w/e, looks like you've exceeded yours. Your key may now be invalid, it may fail when you come to use it again on one of the other two PC's.

I've had XP on two machines and, Vista on three, I didn't push it any further.

I jsut read on another forum that there is no limit it to it unless I try doing it twice within a 120 day period and I may jsut have to call them to activate it over the phone ?!?! How true is this Im not sure..........but I may jsut call them just to see ..


Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP Professional ------- so it says on the cover of the case.....

[RaiDer]

I jsut read on another forum that there is no limit it to it unless I try doing it twice within a 120 day period and I may jsut have to call them to activate it over the phone ?!?! How true is this Im not sure..........but I may jsut call them just to see ..


Windows Genuine Advantage Kit for Windows XP Professional ------- so it says on the cover of the case.....

Thats BS tbh, there is a limit. As for calling up MS, it's something you do when you reinstall say an OEM copy due to hardware failure, hardware replacement w/e. When you've used that copy on the same machine more than X amount of times. You could try and ring them tho, if you do you'll have to make up some BS. Because they ask questions.

If they ask, tell them your motherboard died, you've had it replaced with a slightly different model, now when you try to activate it fails. When they ask how many PC's the copy is installed on say, just one. If you say 2/3, they will tell you that you need to buy separate copies for each machine.

It may turn to shit during the call most likely, with it already having two active installations currently in use. Whether they're aware of that and can check that during the call, I'm not sure.

The only way I'm aware of that allows you to use the same copy of Windows on more than one PC, is with a Volume License.

[C4JuN]

Makes perfect sense................. Thanks for the help!!


I reckon It might not be smart to find a bootleg cd key round the net

And really I would much rather use that Hardrive its on as a slave for the 2nd pc and the 2nd pc is what I mainly use to download on and just forward the files thru the network to my main rig............I guess there is no way to work it around to setup as the slave without xp being activated first... and Im sure going back to 98 SE wouldnt work as well........


Thanks again

[Love Duckie]

As for calling MS, you don't actually have to talk to a single person. Infact you can completely blag it if you need to activate it.

What happens is, an automated system comes on and asks you for installer ID that is given to you in the activation window. Put that into the phone.. and when it asks questions like "Have you used this CD on another computer before?" Answer no by pressing the key necessary to do so.

Etc.

I've done this before and completely got away with it. That automation system is a right joke.

[DarkKitchen]

I've done this before and completely got away with it. That automation system is a right joke.

Whenever I have to go through that thing i feel like throwing my phone through the wall

[AZN_L473ncy]

I think I have an extra XP Pro key lying around somewhere, I'll see if I can dig it up. Chances are I threw it out or lost it somewhere in my room. But I'll try to dig it up.

[TheBlackOut]

As for calling MS, you don't actually have to talk to a single person. Infact you can completely blag it if you need to activate it.

What happens is, an automated system comes on and asks you for installer ID that is given to you in the activation window. Put that into the phone.. and when it asks questions like "Have you used this CD on another computer before?" Answer no by pressing the key necessary to do so.

Etc.

I've done this before and completely got away with it. That automation system is a right joke.

They must of fixed it or something because I tried that and it failed. I called MS again and payed 20 bucks for a new key (I reformmated too many times, bleh, bad habit) and it will last I think 10 times before another renew.

20 bucks for a new key ain't too bad imo.

[Love Duckie]

Whenever I have to go through that thing i feel like throwing my phone through the wall

Chyeah I know, mind you I got major kicks from doing it. Just the fact it's so exploitable without much effort

They must of fixed it or something because I tried that and it failed. I called MS again and payed 20 bucks for a new key (I reformmated too many times, bleh, bad habit) and it will last I think 10 times before another renew.

20 bucks for a new key ain't too bad imo.

Meh, well when I last did it.. it weren't so long ago.. about last November? But yeah I guess $20 aint much.. that's £10 for me.

None the less I got away with it.

It's just how you do it, have to answer the questions correctly.

Lets hope there isn't a M$ representative browsing these boards right now.

[Weiman]

A friend of mine recently called M$ cause he got a new motherboard (well, everything). They denied him a new key cause the OEM key was tied to his mobo..

[7h3 n00b m4573r]

that's why you don't tell em
if you tell them you reformatted your computer they're obligated to give you your activation codes, can't charge you for a new key because you already have a liscence.

[Rayza]

A friend of mine recently called M$ cause he got a new motherboard (well, everything). They denied him a new key cause the OEM key was tied to his mobo..

lol, friend needs to learn to say that he reformatted and didn't change any hardware. (yes lie, but it'll get you the freakin' key)

[TheBlackOut]

Oh wow, so if I got Vista OEM and just say I reformatted they'll give me a new key? Good to know, I might buy Vista then...

[AZN_L473ncy]

@ Kane:

No they will let you reactivate not give you a new key.

[TheBlackOut]

@ Kane:

No they will let you reactivate not give you a new key.

But will that reactive work for a new motherboard?

[DHC]

But will that reactive work for a new motherboard?

of course it'll work - its not like your motherboard keeps track of what OS's were installed

[Love Duckie]

that's why you don't tell em
if you tell them you reformatted your computer they're obligated to give you your activation codes, can't charge you for a new key because you already have a liscence.

Precisely.

[RaiDer]

Phone automated activation, if you have exceeded your limit it will tell you the same shit upon completing the process. It'll work for the second maybe third time after that, no dice.