Activation number invalid on second time installation.

[salimwng]

Hello,

I upgraded my PC to a bigger SCSI Hard Disk ( from 60 to 120 Giga ). I purchased an original XP CD ( Windows XP Professional 1 -2 CPU OEM Product ), but after the second installation on the 120 Gig Hard Disk, i wanted to Activate it and i am constantly having " This license has been used several times, contact Microsoft....bla bla bla "

I can't get understand the logic at all ! Does this mean that when one installs XP, it's for lifetime ? It can't be re-installed again ?

Can anybody please help me how to activate that stuff without having to go though all these charades ?

Thank you a lot guys.
Regards.
Salim

 

[smah]

You'll have to contact MS at the phone number included in the message.

 

[davidelnormal]

Yes you will need to phone or Email Microsoft to re-activate the OS. When you initially activate the program, Microsoft takes a map of your PC. If you alter any hardware, Microsoft assumes that you are trying to load XP on to a different machine and asks you to Re-activate it. Needless to say, the old activation is cancelled. All this to try to stop people copying Operating Systems to other machines and stifling sales. Contact Microsoft and Re-activate, it's your only chance I think!........Dave

 

[smah]

"alter any hardware" is a bit of an exaggeration. For an easy to understand explanation of Windows Product Activation, and the hardware changes that will cause a need for re-activation, see this

http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm

 

[rrsub]

I believe there are 8 times for the life of the PK then you call M$ to release it again.

Just like Terminal Server Licenses.

 

[malkie]

Use the telephone option to re register XP, they will give you a new activation code to use, this works, Ive recently done it.