Windows Update with XP?

[DrDoak]

Does anyone know if the Windows Update for XP works any different than the Update for 95/98/ME?

I've got two computers in my house networked, both running a copy of Windows XP Pro, but they both have the same CD-Key. They were both installed fromhe same CD, which is a licensed copy of XP Pro, so I don't have to go through the activiation process or anything, just enter the CD-Key and wham-o, XP's all ready. I just don't want to be in legal trouble if I windows update them, and it detects two seperate copies from the same CD-Key. Thanks.

[speedy]

Won't work. There is no way to bypass the activation scheme. I've seen a few web sites reporting they have cracked it, I very much doubit it.

Microsoft now uses product activation starting with the XP line. Each CD key once activated is "locked" to the hardware in your PC. It does this trick by reading at least 4 common hardware devices, then either grabing their serial number or product ID. From that is generates a 50 digit activation code you send to Microsoft from which it creates q 42 digit unlock code unique to your specific hardware.

You get a month from the time you install to activate. By the way, if you change more than three devices in just the one PC, you'll need to activate again, because it will look like you're trying to use the same CD Key in more than one machine.

[jackhyde]

I may be wrong but XP Pro is the business version and does not need activation online. It's more expensive than the home version. But I don't know what will happen with the update.

[todd-alaska]

I know a guy with an xp pro cd thats "fixed" the windows update is fine, it never goes into checking cds keys and stuff

[sommersby]

The corperate version of windows xp requires no activation, and can be updated normally, This edition was sold to buisnesses for this purpose, that it can be installed on multiple machines, how close microsoft is going to monitor this is anybody's guess? Since pirated copy's of this version are going for around $50, they may start to watch pretty close!

[sommersby]

Also, as far as changing hardware, according to Maximum PC, which just did a test on this, you can change up to 5 devices in a 60 day period before xp becomes inactive, if you make no changes for 60 days this is then reset. For some reason the only exception to this is a network card which counts as 3 items, go figure!

[speedy]

There are 3 versions of XP. The home version, the pro version and the corporate version. Both the home and pro version require activation.

[JBC2000]

In case anyone wants to know....
When any version of Windows is updated online, the os's use a Java scheme (or Active X, depending on the age of your OS) to scan your os INTERNALLY; that is, it's done without sending info to Microsoft. It simply scans the updates already installed on your machine and compares that with the updates available on the website. It then pulls and displays the relevant updates!
Simple!

[ember]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2001-12-10 07:55:36, speedy wrote:
There are 3 versions of XP. The home version, the pro version and the corporate version. Both the home and pro version require activation.
</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR></TABLE>
The pro version does not require activation.
The cracked home version (apparently) skips the activation process altogether.

[sommersby]

Thats wrong, I have the full pro version and it does require activation, only the Corperate Pro version does not.

[nidoran]

ilegal xp for $50? thats expensive.
from the internet everything is free..., and burning a normal cd is about $1. i cant get copies of anything for more then $3.

anyway, legal trouble also start if you dont update. just send our dear friend bill gates a message, and ask him what to do. i'm sure he knows.

[DrDoak]

right, i've got the corporate pro version. no activation, it's nice . yeah i knew windows update doesn't send any information to M$, i justwanted to make sure XP worked the same way before i went and updated it. thanks everyone!

[jaw2957]

Does anyone know how the academic edition works? I am curious because its always assloads cheaper than the home, pro or coporate. Thanks

[speedy]

Ember, I see you remain clueless.

[ember]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>
On 2001-12-10 21:47:53, speedy wrote:
Ember, I see you remain clueless.
</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR size=1 color=black></TD></TR></TABLE>
I am slowly realising that my XP copy is from a more expensive version. Corporate indeed..it didn't say that on the disc, in black felt, tut tut.