Having to re-activate windows XP (home)

Yesterday I got a the windows activation program when I rebooted my laptop. It said that my hardware has significantly changed. But I have used the same laptop for 2 months or longer. The only difference that I can think of is that I had my stick of RAM come lose when I was showing my laptop to somebody--it must have been picked up on that.

Now I have only 2 days left for re-activation. I tried to re-activagte my computer, but it says that my product key # has been used too many times. I tried typing it in myself, but I get the same message. I bought my Windows XP CD (home version) from eBay, still in the packaged. It lookes like the orginal CD, and has the hologram cover.

I would like to fix this without having to call the support line.

 

If you call the Microsoft people from the phone number they give you, it's pretty painless. You just tell them that its asking for a new key and if you are the licensed user of a legit copy of XP they will provide a new key for you.

too easy

 

You actually dont need a new key if its only been installed on one computer. Just phone it in and explain that it wont let you activate over the net.

They will activate you from there.

 

Ok, I guess I will call Microsoft support line. I am using a different computer, but it is the same hardrive. However, I've not seen the activation program until yesterday. So it's wierd.

 

Different computer, same hard drive won't cut it.

Legally, you would need a new license.

"computer" is a collection of devices, CPU and motherboard being the main parts.

The hard drive moving to another computer doesn't count as the same PC.

 

Oh, I forgot one thing, I can't activate windows by going to System Tools or by using run and typing "oobe/msoobe /a". I have to wait for a reminder or reboot my laptop.

 

How many times am I allowed to installed my Windows XP?

 

Infinite times.

On the same machine only.

 

But, here's the rub, I did not install it on the laptop i am using, i simply transfered the hard drive from one laptop to another.

 

Yeah I know.

Its in a different machine now.

That is illegal and breaks your license agreement with Microsoft.

To activate, you need a new license.

 

Why has it taken so long before my OS picked it up?

 

You were probably given a grace period. I forget what it is now, but on a major hardware change, it(XP) gives you a time limit before you must activate again.

 

Yes, it is usually 30 days. But I have only been give 3.

 

Can I get a new licsence without having to pay for a new CD?

 

Yes that is it. 3 days on a hardware change.

Yes you can purchase a new license. In truth, its only a little cheaper than a CD.

Do you want the number?

 

I got the CD for $90 on Ebay, whereas it is $200 in store. Is it cheaper than the $90?

 

Depends on the license

XP Home, Upgrade, or Retail
XP Pro, Upgrade, or Retail

 

home, retail and upgrade

 

Online you can purchase XP Home OEM (cd, key, manual) from $46.00 and up.
If you google "XP Home" youll see!
some online retailers will require you to purchase hardware to get it, the hardware can be $2.oo mouse or what ever.

At local PC show near me, the first sun of every month, full version XP home is $80.

If you Know someone that has access to Microsoft employee store, they get XP home for $25.00 & Pro for $35.00 (full versions), Poo! and Bill G. still turns a profit!

 

Keep in mind, if you buy OEM, you have to upgrade over Windows.

Retail will not accept a change to an OEM key.

The price you paid for XP Home on Ebay is what you pay for it in the stores, if it is an upgrade CD as you say.

A license is a little cheaper, but it would be EVEN cheaper to go OEM as mentioned above.

 

I bought OEM, full home version off of eBay for $90. I don't think I can get it much cheaper than that (legally).

 

I could justify $45, maybe. I just think I'm getting ripped off by having to buy the same software over and over again.

 

ThisChick,
Your post has been removed. We WILL NOT EVER allow anyone to post here offering advice for hacking, cracking or otherwise stealing software no matter what.

First time and last time.

 

You gotta understand.

You aren't buying software.

You are buying license(s) to use it.

Its a popular misconception.

You don't own one piece of software. You own a license to use it, and by installing it, you have legally obligated yourself to follow the agreement you have accepted. In the case of XP, it is one computer, per license, unless it is a volume license. Trust me, that will cost far more than 90 dollars.

 

So what other options do I have?

Office XP is hte only office software that I like to use. Will it run on any other OS besides XP? I know that it can run on Mac OS X--the mac version of course. I'm looking to see if I can get Mac OS X for my laptop.

 

You can't get OSX for your laptop, it is for proprietary hardware.

Office XP runs on Windows 2000 as well, which is even more expensive. I've no idea if it runs on 98 or ME.

 

Well, I've broke down and I bought another OEM version for $93 and some change from eBay.

Also, i thought I would try something smart and set my computer calendar back one year to see if I could get more time. And When I rebooted, I could not do anything until i activated XP.