Windows activation...how many times?

Hello geeks!

After reinstalling Windows this evening, I got a message during the set-up saying something along the lines of "this product key has been used too many times, you can't activate Windows." Not an exact quote, but the meaning is there.

It is true that I've used the code often. I've reinstalled Windows quite a few times...for cleaning purposes and crash times. I've also been switching out some hardware parts recently. For example: I installed a video card a couple months after buying my computer and had some driver problems; my original CD-RW/DVD combo drive was switched out for a new DVD-burner and a DVD drive I salvaged from a used computer I bought; from that same used computer I installed a 20 gig HD as master, using my original 80 gig HD as storage; this week I took out the 20 gig HD and replaced it with a 200 gig HD, going back to the 80 gig as master and now the 200 gig as slave. The motherboard and CPU and memory are all the same, though.

Basically, do I need to repurchase a copy of Windows? Or is there someone (or a department) I can email at Microsoft to plead my case?

Thanks for your help.

 

Yes, you should be able to explain your situation to Microsoft, and if you are legitimately using your product key (ie not installing on multiple machines), they should free it up for you to activate.

 

When you get to that screen that says you can't activate over the internet...there should be the option to go on by choosing your geographical are and then it will give an 800 number which will put you in contact with someone who can help you!!

Roger

 

You need to call MS and as Mada_Milty stated, plead your case. They may try to charge you for the call, but stand your ground. If you have an OEM license (your PC came with Windows already on it) you may have a problem, but chances are all will be well once you speak with MS. Starting with XP, hardware changes made to the PC cause this annoyance. We are stuck dealing with this untill a better way of handling this comes along.

 

As of February of this year, before I quit, activation calls were free.

 

So, I need to call someone, huh? Is there an electronic route I can go...like email or real-time chat or something? I live in Japan and my cell-phone isn't too keen on 800 numbers. I don't have a land-line in my apartment.

And yes, it is a legitamate copy of Windows. I bought it when I bought my machine (not pre-installed). I just like to tinker with my computer... I'm a wannabe geek!

 

No problem. Just use this link ----> www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/numbers.mspx


Or just call ----> 0120-801-734

Toll ----> (813) 5738-2056 or (03) 5738-2056