Hi
I read this with great interest. I have just installed OEM XP sp1 on one
computer, then used Nortons Ghost to make a copy onto another HD which I
installed onto a second computer.
I have a second copy of XP and so removed the product key using regedit from
the copy. I was planning on putting in the product key of the second copy of
XP and then activating it.
Of course, when I checked the registry the product key was a number not the
original product key from the first HD so I am stuck. I have removed the
product key but don't know how to put in the second key!
I activated the first computer okay, then did he same straight afterwards
for the second. Both were accepted by MS!!!
Question, for the record how would you put in the new product key for the
second computer on the copied HD?
Thanks
bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Lore" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, 18 mmmm 2003 3:07
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] XP Activate
> Hi Ian,
>
> As I understand it,
>
> 1. You install your copy of XP using the 25 (5 x 5) digit string
> of characters that comes with the CD. I assume this string is the
> 'Product Key'?
>
>
> Yes - this is a unique key that is issued per XP "package"
>
>
> 2. After the installation is complete, you have 30 days to
> 'activate' your install of XP, otherwise your system may become
> unusable.
>
> NO, it does not become unstable. It just doesn't come on. You get a
> notice to phone in for activation. The system will not boot up.
>
> You don't have to register, you do have to activate with exceptions.
> Some OEM, Tier1, manufacturers do the activation for you prior to
> shipping systems to the channel. That and Corporate licensing are
> exempt from activation.
>
>
> 3. Once you decide to 'activate', you have 2 choices.
> (a) Activate by phone (in which case I understand you get to talk to a
> live operator) or....
> (b) Activate over the net, as I did, so I'll only refer to that mode
> from here on.
>
> Yes, if notified to activate it is required to do so. The phone way
> takes no more than 5 minutes. Internet less than 1 min.
>
> 4. In either case, once your system realises what you intend to
> do, it examines your hardware, and your 'Product Key', and it creates a
> unique 8-byte number, called a 'hardware hash', which it supplies to
> Microsoft.
>
> Yes, this registers the componets for your system with MS. Originally,
> only so many components could be changed, depending which version of XP
> was used, with out having to call in to MS and "explain" why. I have
> been told this is changed.
>
> 5. I understand that, all going well, the Microsoft server pats
> your computer on the head and blesses it.
>
> Yes, but without the use of Holy Water!
>
> 6. I also understand that this process is anonymous, and that
> once the blessing has taken place, the Microsoft robot discards the
> information (well, Microsoft would like us to think so, anyway)
>
> Only "anonymous" if you do not "register".
>
> Personally, I don't believe that MS discards any info. But I have heard
> that you can,
> after 120 days use the Product Key again. Reason that they changed it
> is that people were complaining loudly (ie. John Davorak) about the
> activation issues and the fact that if you are constantly upgrading
> hardware, as some do, it was very annoying. XP is really unforgiving.
>
> For instance, change a mainboard and use a different chipset than what
> you had, XP chokes and you really have to reinstall XP anyway to
> continue. I have not tested this 120 day thing, but a very good friend
> of mine informed me of it just yesterday after he did a lot of research
> on the web about it.
>
>
> So far, so good. But here's where I start to lose the plot. If
> the 25 digit string is the 'Product Key', what is the 'Product ID'?
>
> Product ID, I believe is the number generated, that you see when you go
> to the control panel, system, devices main screen, that lists the user's
> name and type of CPU the system is running.
>
>
> And why would Microsoft provide the means to change the Product
> ID? See here:
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874#2
>
>
> Maybe for those that use a disk coping software to load systems?
>
> Another profound mystery is this: I can see how the 25 digit
> string of characters supplied ON THE LABEL with your CD can be unique,
> but I can't see how the CD itself is unique, or contains a unique
> number. Surely these CD's are stamped in large numbers from glass
> masters?
>
> The cd is not unique, the number only is unique. The number that comes
> with XP Pro OEM, SP1,
> Can be used with any other cd that is XP Pro Oem, SP1. It would not
> work with the Retail version CD for instance. The OEM CD generates a
> product ID with -OEM- in it and the Retail one does not.
>
>
> Thanks, and have a Great Day!
>
> Joe Lore
>
> Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to
> Digest mode - visit our web site:
> http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml
Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to
Digest mode - visit our web site:
http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml
|
