Regarding Win XP.

[Jimmyjammer]

I'm thinking of getting Win Xp but don't like the idea of this activation code I hear about. From what I can tell when you install Win XP you have to ask MS for a code or the OS will stop working after a certain number of boots, is that correct?

Also, if you add more hardware past a certain limit (3 I think) then you have to again ask MS for permission to re-activated the OS. What if you've no internet access? Do you have to call them?

Imagine this scenario: No net access, no phone, no way of contacting MS. I know it's not likely but if that was the case will XP shut down and never work again without an activation code?

 

[aphex]

Its really not as much of a problem as your thinking it is. I have activated (and reactivated) multiple OS's and not had any issues.

 

[Jimmyjammer]

<< Its really not as much of a problem as your thinking it is. I have activated (and reactivated) multiple OS's and not had any issues. >>



But you had to contact MS to do so right?

 

[RGN]

viad the internet, and your other thread got locked for a reason...

 

[aphex]

<<

<< Its really not as much of a problem as your thinking it is. I have activated (and reactivated) multiple OS's and not had any issues. >>



But you had to contact MS to do so right? >>



Nope, it let me do it without calling them. As for adding hardware, ive never encountered that either. And im constantly adding and removing stuff from XP rigs...

 

[trmiv]

The activation isn't that tough. Basically after you install Windows, it will ask if you want to activate right then, or do it later. If you have your net connection setup, you can do it then, or wait until you get it setup. When you activate, you aren't required to enter any information at all, but you can register at the same time if you want to, which requires your name, address, etc. But, the registration part is optional. Activation takes all of 30 seconds to do over the internet. I've reinstalled my copy of Windows XP 4 times with two different motherboards, two different CPU's (one duron, one athlon), two different video cards, and three different hard drives, and I have yet to be asked to call Microsoft.

EDIT: Whoa, I posted to this thread in OT, and then edited my post and it was in Operating Systems.

 

[Finite]

If you don't want to activate then you do not have to. There are ways arround it. I bought my XP pro but did not register it because I do not want MS to have a so called "finger print" of my systems configuration on file on one of there servers. Personall decision I chose to make and no this is not illegal. I can't tell you where to get what you need to do this because this thread will most likley be locked if I do but all it takes is a little searching. Heck, it will prolly be locked for me saying what I have already said