Well hot DOG...

[DarkBlood]

Check this out...

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/4980/xpcannolongeractivaterj9.png

Guess I reformatted a little too much. Yes, I reinputted the product key once more (to make sure I hadn't inputted the wrong one), gave the same message.

[Dynash]

This is one mishap you don't have with VAIO's, since it's all stored in a hidden backup on the HD, you just open a program, re-install in less than a minuite, with no activation.

[DarkBlood]

This is one mishap you don't have with VAIO's, since it's all stored in a hidden backup on the HD, you just open a program, re-install in less than a minuite, with no activation.

I have a gateway recovery CD as well that installs XP Media Center. Maybe I can use that =/

Oh and, recovery HDs are not my things either, I really don't like chopping up a harddrive.

[TSO]

Oh, that sucks. :( If you call Microsoft, perhaps they will reset it for you? (Not sure how, but I'm sure they have a way.)

[DarkBlood]

Oh, that sucks. :( If you call Microsoft, perhaps they will reset it for you? (Not sure how, but I'm sure they have a way.)

I doubt it. They'd rather make me "pay" for additional keys.

This is one of the MAIN reasons why ReactOS (http://www.reactos.org) needs more supporters and developers. I can't do that kind of stuff though; and right now, ROS doesn't even work on REAL hardware.

[TSO]

So how many times have you re-installed?

Also, have you thought about using a keygen? It's not like you have an illegal copy (at least, I assume you've already paid for yours). So in this case, I don't see using a keygen as unethical.

[DarkBlood]

So how many times have you re-installed?

About 10-15 times, I had to reformat several times on my laptop (now has a broken mobile SATA, which will take 80+ USD to replace) not only because of changing OS, but because XP was going slow.

Yes, a 2 GHz duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, 10 GB of virtual memory, Intel GMA (No VRAM), SigmaTel HD Audio, and other junk, can go really, really slow.

[DavidsAwesome]

I had no clue they could do that.

I need to stop doing that then.

[DarkBlood]

I had no clue they could do that.

I need to stop doing that then.

You mean re-formatting? It's recommended you do it every year or two though. =/

Especially if you're trying to run XP on a 98 system, lol.

Edit: Well I just tried the gateway recovery CD, and it didn't work, what fun. (On my eMachines tower, since my Gateway lappy's Mobile SATA HDD is busted.)

[sep]

Ubuntu.

[bryonhost1]

Hi!
That is just plain wrong. Call Microsoft and demand to speak to Bill Gates!
I don't care what he says..retired or not! Blah.

Well..I've never had a problem reusing a key. I'm serious about calling Microsoft..there should be no limit on installs to one computer.

>>On another note..it looks like XP is toast. I was really hoping Microsoft would be forced to change the date again..but it really does not look that's going to happen.

Blah. Vista? Never!!!! Heck..I'll start using 2003 server..thank you very much.

>>Little known geek fact: Did you know there is such a thing as Windows 2003 Workstation? Yup. It exists. You have to make it..but it does indeed exist.

Google it..and be enlightened

>>>Just as I thought:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927007

There is no limit to installs on one computer. I should know..heck..I do it ~six times/year at least.

>>Here's another..since that is a games link above..still same thing is said again many times:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?forumID=5&threadID=112954&messageID=1288122


Bryon

[DarkBlood]

Hi!
That is just plain wrong. Call Microsoft and demand to speak to Bill Gates!
I don't care what he says..retired or not! Blah.

Well..I've never had a problem reusing a key. I'm serious about calling Microsoft..there should be no limit on installs to one computer.

>>On another note..it looks like XP is toast. I was really hoping Microsoft would be forced to change the date again..but it really does not look that's going to happen.

Blah. Vista? Never!!!! Heck..I'll start using 2003 server..thank you very much.

>>Little known geek fact: Did you know there is such a thing as Windows 2003 Workstation? Yup. It exists. You have to make it..but it does indeed exist.

Google it..and be enlightened

>>>Just as I thought:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927007

There is no limit to installs on one computer. I should know..heck..I do it ~six times/year at least.

>>Here's another..since that is a games link above..still same thing is said again many times:

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?forumID=5&threadID=112954&messageID=1288122


Bryon

Ubuntu people told me what questions they'll ask me when attempting to do the activation dealie. So I'll go call 'em up.

Ubuntu.

Wine can't install my Lexmark x4550 printer, nor does Linux have drivers for it, the SDK doesn't help either, since you can't built 4500+ Series Lexmarks with it. I also need flash CS3 to install, which it can't, not by a long shot (http://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=7120).

[Johnson]

I've had this exact thing happen to me. Call Microsoft and they'll resolve it, it's just a write off for them. They don't want to deal with someone -----ing to them on the phone, in fact it's just outsourced. They'll give you a new key.

If that doesn't work, warez.

[Darknight]

Had this issue, a Phone call gets it fixed if your firm and abusive :p

All they do is ask a few questions about if you have it on more than once PC bla bla bla then they give you a code, write the code down since its always the same and if you wanna reinstall with that serial again your need it!

[Dynash]

I had no clue they could do that.

I need to stop doing that then.
I've always known it was max of 3 times. I did it 3 times on my desktop and I couldn't re-use my key, so I did what was already mentioned in post 6 ;)

[themoose]

Do it. Phone them up.

Iyeru, that ReactOS thing is pretty cool. Wouldn't be suprised if it was slapped with a bunch of lawsuits though. But if it means open source style development of the windows platform then it can't be a bad thing.

[DarkBlood]

ReactOS did a code audit, and it's complete.

I got windows activated over the phone, but I couldn't do it on my cell, it would have taken too long (over 10 mins of inputting numbers and etc.)

For the US, call them up, after you input your Install ID, and junk, they'll ask you a couple questions...

1. How many computers have you installed this windows XP on...
- I answered one

2. Is this the first time you have installed windows xp?
- I answered yes

Bango! All done. But normal support for Windows XP stops on June 30th, Long-Term/Extended for XP lasts until 2014. Windows XP will stop being sold on June 30th as well.

What a drag.