What is limit that would require reactivation of WinXP?

[dxj40c]

What would you have to add that would cause you to have to re-register a version of Windows XP? I have replaced hard drives, floppies, video cards with no repercussions.
I am in constant upgrade mode. My motherboard only supports up to 2.8 GB. If I decide to go higher, to another motherboard/processor combo, would that be the straw that breaks the camels back, or does the system keep track of logical incremental upgrades?
I have already used up my online activation limit (about 4 times, I think)and had to do it by phone the last time (not a problem, BTW) due to having to reinstall several times due to virus attacks and configuration problems. Hint: Use the full grace period to work everything out before activating, until then you can install it all you want. Get all your peripherals configured and working smoothly, activate it, make a good clean backup on CD or DVD using Norton Ghost (or similar program). From then on, re-install the operating system from the backup disc when neccessary, it maintains its activation, and saves a heck of a lot of time.
Time to install XP from scratch is about 45 min. , from backup about 8 min.

[indolikaa]

This is where that nice little HD Backup utility in B's Recorder Gold5 comes in so very handy, maybe even for XP?

I keep two DVD-RWs in backup mode. The first is a pure Windows load with absolutely no additional fluff installed. The second is my 'working copy' of the current configuration of my hardware and software. I'd love to know if this strategy would work for XP; it works perfect for Win2000 Pro and only takes either 10 minutes or 30 minutes to restore.

Yes, I do A LOT of tweaking and reconfigurating, so the activation scheme is why I've never worked past Win2000 Pro.

[energy80s]

Get the corporate edition and you don't have to worry about registering!

For disc image backups, Norton Ghost is as handy as any, I use it a lot. Liek the previous poster i have a few different versions backed up - a basic install - no drivers for "extras", a full install with all drivers and a current HD backup.

[mickle]

Drive Image also rocks.....


Mike

[Tool Man]

I could be wrong, but I think you are allowed 5 major changes to your system before XP insists on reactivation.

[mujahid7ia]

No activation in Corporate Ed.? DOes thjat not make it a prime target for bootleggers?

[mickle]

No activation in Corporate Ed.? DOes thjat not make it a prime target for bootleggers?

Yep!

Mike

[Hardcoreruss]

I could be wrong, but I think you are allowed 5 major changes to your system before XP insists on reactivation.

I disagree I think it is time based so if you reinstall say two weeks in a row then you get a problem. I reinstalled last week and had to read out about a million numbers.

[energy80s]

No activation in Corporate Ed.? DOes thjat not make it a prime target for bootleggers?

You might think that, but I couldn't possibly comment

[babyboo]

make a good clean backup on CD or DVD using Norton Ghost (or similar program). From then on, re-install the operating system from the backup disc when neccessary, it maintains its activation, and saves a heck of a lot of time.[/u]

Are you sure about this? I am planning on upgrading to XP Pro from Win98SE and don't want this kind of hassels. I currently maintain 3 Win98SE images and swap between them. I can't imagine the headaches involved if I had to re-activate all of the time.

[Tiny71]

What would you have to add that would cause you to have to re-register a version of Windows XP? I have replaced hard drives, floppies, video cards with no repercussions.

It depends....I have WXPHome and have simply removed a soundcard and I had to reactivate. It is no hassle to me, I just call them up and talk to them. I am on the phone for about 5 minutes each time. I do have to re-activate evrey time I reinstall, since I bought a OEM edition of XP.

[Jayhawk]

A word to the wise, MS has been actively tracking down a series of bootleg Corporate Editions of XP Pro and checks for them during Windows Update. If you've got one, it denies the update and says to call them for assistance.

Another consideration to the Corporate Edition is that the registered company frequently has MS block updates simply because they don't want their employees putting on code that the IT department hasn't tested.

[Ziffelpig]

I dont know if this helps but I have the XP Pro version. I just bought a barebones P4-3.0ghz, and put everything from my old P3 computer into the new one, dvd burner,hard drive, AIW-7500 video card. XP will not boot it says something about a system change and gives you the option to use last known good boot,boot from command prompt , or boot into safe mode, none of which works they all just boot over and over to the option screen. So I think changing the MB would do it.
I might be proven wrong but your only allowed one activation per copy(serial number) to prevent you from using that copy of XP on any other machine.

[subclubkid]

I dont know what the fuss is about, you can activate windows as many times as you want. The worse case is you will have to call to get a new number, they ask if its only installed on one machine...you say yes and bingo your done

[Cobra]

I had to do that when I built my new machine. Furthermore, my copy of Windows XP was an upgrade pack.

Microsoft activated it in good faith, saying that I had purchased a copy and so I should be able to transfer it to my new machine without added buggeration.

Sorted.

Cobra