I bought a New Windows XP CD

[tcory]

I have only used it the one time when we built my computer. I was told that I could use the CD a total of three times. I saw posted on here that I may have to call Microsoft if I needed to install it on my computer again. My computer has a lot of problems and feel that it be better to just reinstall Windows than buy any of those programs out there that may not even fix my many problems.

I have backed up all important data and wanted to do the install today. Can anyone tell me if I will run into a problem when entering the Product Key with it asking me to call Microsoft, because I doubt they would be anyone at a Help Desk on Christmas Day ?

Merry Christmas to all the Members of VideoHelp!!!!!

TC

[wulf109]

I doubt they celebrate Christmas in India. Yes if you re-install XP you'll need to call MS support to activate XP.

[gregalan]

I bought the Windows XP Home upgrade cd.
I've installed it at least four times all together, on two different PCs and I've never had to cal MS to have it activated.
I just activated it over the net no problems at all.

I've never heard of a three time install limit, as long as it's a legit copy of Windows XP and no hardware changes (I think you're allowed up to 5 small hardware changes) there should be no call required.

[edDV]

By "three times" do you mean the family pack? Do they make those for XP home?

Most likely a reinstall will pass activation if not call MS. They have always been there when I called.

[jman98]

I've read reports of people having to call Microsoft for activation help on just the 2nd install on the same PC, so whether you need to do that or not is probably rather random or depends on specific factors that nobody outside of Microsoft knows about. Reports I've read over the years are that Microsoft is very easy to get help from on this issue. I do not recall reading of even one case where a user was denied help in reactivating XP.

[lowellriggsiam]

I've never had to call MS after reinstalling XP on my PC, or one other PC.

[TimA-C]

If you haven't changed the hardware it should re-activate with no problems without having to phone anyone. Even if you've made major changes like changing the motherboard, cpu, and memory it will probably go through fine, and if it doesn't then you may have to phone the free number for your area and go through the automated re-activation process, which will almost certainly go through without problems. If there is a problem and you do have to talk with one of their representatives, just explain the situation and they'll give you an activation code. The only time you'll have problems are if you have had to re-activate it a number of times in a short space of time, their system shows that there are machines with different hardware codes and your license number trying to download automatic updates, or if your license number has been leaked onto the internet and MS have blacklisted it.

Try and make sure that your re-installed system has the same computer name that it had before and that the registration name and company is the same as before to help improve the chances of a smooth re-activation. Also, if you're replacing the main system hard drive, try adding the empty drive to the working system and checking for updates before transferring the contents of the old drive to the new. I'm not sure if it actually accomplishes anything but I always think that it must update my system hardware code in a smoother, more incremental way than suddenly booting up on a strange hard drive.

Basically, as long as you're not trying to take the p!$$, you should be fine.

[Megahurts]

If there is no hardware change, use the old "wpa.dbl" file in the Windows/System32 directory.

It's the "Windows Protection Activatiion" file which was updated after activatiion and any minor hardware change.

[handyguy]

My HP/dell computers don't require activation they are bios activated.

[Nelson37]

Have had to make the call many, many times, one of my old XP licenses has been activated well over a dozen times. Never had a refusal to authorize.

The key statement is "this software is not in use or installed on any other PC at this time, this is the ONLY computer using it."

Now if you have an OEM copy, that is a whole nother story. When the mainboard dies, the license dies with it UNLESS you replace with identical board, or a warranty replacement. Hard drive, video card, memory, no problem, CPU upgrade seems a bit iffy and best not to mention it.

[edDV]

Now if you have an OEM copy, that is a whole nother story. When the mainboard dies, the license dies with it UNLESS you replace with identical board, or a warranty replacement. Hard drive, video card, memory, no problem, CPU upgrade seems a bit iffy and best not to mention it.

I've even had them OK a failed motherboard with a different replacement brand (IBM to ECS) on an OEM XP license.

[Noahtuck]

Now if you have an OEM copy, that is a whole nother story. When the mainboard dies, the license dies with it UNLESS you replace with identical board, or a warranty replacement. Hard drive, video card, memory, no problem, CPU upgrade seems a bit iffy and best not to mention it.

I've even had them OK a failed motherboard with a different replacement brand (IBM to ECS) on an OEM XP license.

I have had 2 different PC's that belonged to other people that needed repair, replaced the mobo and cpu, replaced with a different brand, and neither DELL/E-Machines or M$ would help me to reinstall, reactivate XP!!

And both people had the original restore disc for their machines.

But straight up full installs of XP on any of my machines, i never had a problem regardless of what was changed or a whole new machine being built.

[tcory]

Is it a toll free # to get in touch with M$ and would someone post the # so I will have it on hand please ?

[TimA-C]

It is in areas and you'll see it on the screen if you need to use it.