Need for Activation

  • Thread starter Thread starter John & Mary Cook
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John & Mary Cook

Does anyone know how many times WinXP Pro can be reinstalled on the same
machine without having to call Microsoft?

Thank you,

JT Cook
 
John said:
Does anyone know how many times WinXP Pro can be reinstalled on the same
machine without having to call Microsoft?

Thank you,

JT Cook
Click to expand...


There's no limit to the number of times you can reinstall and
activate the same WinXP license on the same PC. Nor is there ever a
charge. Nor does a Product Key (so long as it's not an evaluation
license) ever expire. If it's been more than 120 days since you last
activated that specific Product Key, you'll most likely be able to
activate via the Internet without problem. If it's been less, you might
have to make a 5 minute phone call.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm


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It depends on the version of XP. Some OEM versions always need a call. In my
experience (more than 100 calls) it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. It was
relatively quick and easy. Others have reported having a different
experience. I think attitude and manners may play a large part in the
experience.
 
John & Mary Cook said:
Does anyone know how many times WinXP Pro can be reinstalled on the same
machine without having to call Microsoft?

Thank you,

JT Cook
Click to expand...

It's a bit more complex than that, because there is also a time component -
the length of time they keep the activation records, which may be 90 or 180
days.

Note that Windows doesn't have to be activated immediately. You have, IIRC
30 days to activate, so if you're doing a lot of reinstalls to test
something, you can just accept the nag screens and not activate till you
must.

In any case, it's a quick, free call to a number XP will provide, and
Microsoft is apparently aware of reports that Windows might have to be
reinstalled once in a while.

To your specific question, this site at University of Texas says that the
number is 10.
http://www.utexas.edu/its/sds/faq/msca_keys.html#howmanytimes

HTH
-pk
 
John said:
Does anyone know how many times WinXP Pro can be reinstalled on the
same machine without having to call Microsoft?
Click to expand...


The issue is with how long it's been since the last reinstallation and
activation, not with how many times. Within 120 days, you will have to
activate by voice call, rather than over the internet. However you can
reinstall and reactivate as many times as you want.

By the way, actiavting by voice call is almost never a problem. It's
normally quick and easy--under five minutes.
 
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