number of activations expired?

[crazy8gamer]

I reformatted using windows XP, and for the activation thing it says that the number of activations has exceeded the limit. It says that i need to call microsoft and get a new key or something. I'm wondering if I call them and they give me a new key, will they disable my old one?

 

[CTho9305]

Call them. I've activated a bunch of times due to formats / hardware changes / etc. On one of the calls, the guy asked me if I knew I was only allowed to use my copy on 1 PC .

 

[crazy8gamer]

 

[crazy8gamer]

O, yes, but did it disable your previous keys?

 

[Smilin]

Your previous key is already no good or you wouldn't be here asking.

 

[crazy8gamer]

lets say someone had it installed on two comps. If that someone had to get a new key on computer B because activations ran out..., then would comuter A still function on old key? Or would microsoft disable it? Would this person be screwed on computer A?

 

[RedFox1]

All I know is that buying a second copy of Windows is an attractive option to swapping umpteen-haracter key codes with the MS rep. (I've done it twice, once after a string of upgrades and once after I gave my old copy of XP Home to my girlfriend)

The reps are congenial about it though, at least. The first time I expected a hassle, and they did ask casually why my key expired, but didn't press the issue. (It was completely legitimate in both cases.)

I think your first computer will eventually need to be re-activated though, as the key is now invalid. You could enter your new key to re-activate that PC, but after doing that you will eventually need to re-activate the second PC again. (You could probably limp along for a few months though, since you get 30 days to activate)

There are usually some decent deals in FS/FT on used copies, if you're looking for an alternative.

-Russ

 

[CTho9305]

I haven't changed my key. The first time they gave me 3 more internet activations - dunno why. After those expired I called, and they just had me type in confirmation strings.

RedFox1 - Where do you get your windows? It costs me ten bucks per copy, and I thought we were getting a good deal here!

 

[Smilin]

Since you've already installed it on two computers in violation of your license agreement, what you're really asking is, "Can I continue to get away with stealing this software?"

Don't beat around the bush, just come out and say it. You act like someone from Microsoft might be watching and that Anand actually has logs of your IP and email address or something.

It kinda smells like lock in here.

 

[CQuinn]

What Smilin said. (and before the lock hits)

Microsoft does not go around deliberately checking the keys of every system on the Net.

But if that other system ever has to reactivate, it will fail on the old key; which has been
marked as disabled on the activation servers back at MS.