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Windows XP Activation

How many times can you activate one copy of windows xp. Is there a limit, after which the software won't activate.

Once, for each license. For obvious reasons.

coughthere is no limitcough.

___________________

"The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything."� - Edward J. Phelps

Quote:

Originally posted by kobs
coughthere is no limitcough.

don't start talking about warez or of the like.

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Back in the states.

Actually I believe it's 3 times that you can activate it, and then you are forced to call Microsoft for some kind of new activation code.

Nope, just once.

And would you really trust your OS to warez? I wouldn't.

1. You have 30 days from the time you install XP to activate it. If you don't, you'll be able to boot the PC but won't be able to launch Windows without first calling to activate XP.
2. Microsoft will only authorize a maximum of three activations in the first 30 days that you own the product

3. Microsoft will authorize a maximum of eight activations for a product (Although we've heard unconfirmed reports that this has been raised to 11 activations)

4 If you reach the activation limit, you will be required to purchase another license if you wish to continue using the product

5 Reinstalling Windows XP on the same hardware generates the same product key, so the above doesn't affect you. You can reinstall Windows XP an unlimited number of times on the same hardware.

Wait a minute.....are you sure? So then what was the point of all the controvery over not being able to use a license on multiple computers at the same site?

Thanks guys, but i found all the answers on the microsoft website.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

1.
In general, Windows XP is licensed for use on a single PC. It cannot be installed on more than one PC without purchasing additional licenses. It can be re-installed and activated on the same PC an unlimited number of times.

Now go to the bottom of the page above and you will see the Additional Information

*Technical Market Bulletin on Product Activation in Windows XP

the following is of that doc you should all check it out

Modifications to hardware and how they affect the activation status of Windows XP

Microsoft defines ?substantially different? hardware differently for PCs that are configured to be dockable. Additionally, the network adapter is given a superior ?weighting.? If the PC is not dockable and a network adapter exists and is not changed, 6 or more of the other above values would have to change before reactivation was required. If a network adapter existed but is changed or never existed at all, 4 or more changes (including the changed network adapter if it previously existed) will result in a requirement to reactivate.

Scenario A:
PC One has the full assortment of hardware components listed in Table 1 above. User swaps the motherboard and CPU chip for an upgraded one, swaps the video adapter, adds a second hard drive for additional storage, doubles the amount of RAM, and swaps the CD ROM drive for a faster one.

Result: Reactivation is NOT required.

Finally, the Microsoft activation clearinghouse system will automatically allow activation to occur over the Internet four times in one year on substantially different hardware. This last feature was implemented to allow even the most savvy power users to make changes to their systems and, if they must reactivate, do so over the Internet rather than necessitating a telephone call.

Finally, the Microsoft activation clearinghouse system will automatically allow activation to occur over the Internet four times in one year on substantially different hardware. This last feature was implemented to allow even the most savvy power users to make changes to their systems and, if they must reactivate, do so over the Internet rather than necessitating a telephone call.

Last edited by Ezekielrage, November 4th, 2003 03:24 PM (Edited 1 times)

I have activated my licensed XP Pro at least 15 times. I've had to use the phone system because my WinXP computer isn't connected to the internet, and I've never had to speak to anyone.