WinXP Pro and Hardware Changes

[Lazaru5]

I have recently purchased a legitimate version of windows xp pro (oem).

My question is this, having installed it onto a PC, if I then have to change the hardware, i.e. for repairs or upgrades (hard drive failure, etc). How many times am I allowed to re-install/re-activate it?

Also, if I build a new PC can I install it/activate it on the new PC if I remove it completely from the PC it is on atm, and how many times can I do this, (I regularly upgrade my computers keeping the same specs for maybe a maximum of 6 months)

Obviously, having forked out over £100 on legit software I want to be able to get my money's worth out of it!!

Any help, much appreciated

thanx

Laz

[Q-Buster]

With XP Pro, you can change away to your hearts content. However, if you change a major component, like the motherboard, you may be better off doing a clean install.

Q-Buster

[Lazaru5]

That's good to hear mate, cheers.

Does seem a bit pointless having the "activation" rubbish on it at all though if that's the case.

thanx

Laz

[Karoline]

Yes, just like xp home, you can use it as many times as you want.. I have used mine about 15.

[Lazaru5]

Yes, just like xp home, you can use it as many times as you want.. I have used mine about 15.

I just did a full clean install of my legit XP pro SP2 went to activate it and got the message cannot activate as this copy of windows has reached its maximum number of activations!!! so it seems you cant reactivate it after all!! i think what you are supposed to do is phone M$ and ask them for a new key or somat!! and we're all gonna tell m$ how often we are formatting/upgrading/repairing our systems aren't we???

NOT!!!

/me unhappy at wasting money on a worthless product

Laz

p.s. used an activation patch

[Q-Buster]

What do you mean, 'activate it'? XP Pro runs right away upon installation without any further input, all you need is a recognisable serial number during the install process.

Q-Buster

[Pegasus]

What do you mean, 'activate it'? XP Pro runs right away upon installation without any further input, all you need is a recognisable serial number during the install process.

Only the Corporate version runs straight away, both XP Home (retail & OEM), and XP Pro (retail & OEM) require activation.

[Q-Buster]

Oops, my error I didn't stop long enough to think about that, as that's the only version of XP Pro I have used.

Q-Buster

[Pongo]

All I do is Use the "phone" method of activation. It'll fail on the auto activate bit, but press 1 to get a M$ Gimp and tell 'em what you've done. They just read out the codes to you. I've done this about 20 times now on my XP home.

HTH