Activating Windows

[celluloid hero]

The activation wizard tells me that I've used up the number of times I can use the same Serial Number for Windows, and won't let me activate. What the hell do I do now??

[orbitalcomp]

As long as you have the original CD and the original serial number, just click on the "Activate by phone" option. From there, you will have to read 9 sets of 6 numbers into an automated system. After this finishes, an operator will answer, and will ask if you have installed this XP before. Just tell them you had to do a full system restore, so you had to reinstall XP...they will then give you an activation code to put in those white boxes on the screen. You're set!

[djrobx]

Just call Microsoft. First you'll have to read off the super long code into the phone system. It will then transfer you to an operator. They'll ask you if you bought it from a retailer. Say "Yes". Then they'll ask you "how many computers are you installing this on?" "Just one". Then they'll activate it for you. It's really *really* lame.

[Krevnik]

Very lame... I work for MS and had to go through this switching from XOM to BootCamp. It is only an issue if you used to run that copy on another machine, or if you used XOM before using BootCamp. Bits of hardware appear differently to Windows through XOM's CSM than Apple's CSM, and so it detects it as a different computer, when it isn't.

Heck, I just had my MBP replaced last night with a new one, and no problems validating Windows on the new machine.

[DarthOverlord]

Very lame... I work for MS and had to go through this switching from XOM to BootCamp. It is only an issue if you used to run that copy on another machine, or if you used XOM before using BootCamp. Bits of hardware appear differently to Windows through XOM's CSM than Apple's CSM, and so it detects it as a different computer, when it isn't.

Heck, I just had my MBP replaced last night with a new one, and no problems validating Windows on the new machine.

Did you get your MBP replaced at the apple store? Was it for the issues that most of the first batch of MBPs seem to be experiencing?

I thought you'd have to send the old mbp back to apple. Let me know, I am trying to decide whether I was to replace mine. It get very hot and the airport drops the signal from time to time. But it otherwise runs nicely. Don't want to trade in if I have to be without it for awhile.

[celluloid hero]

Thanks a lot guys.

[celluloid hero]

And you were all right. It was REALLY LAME. They didn't even bother asking me if I'd pirated it or not...instead: "how many computers do you have this installed on?"

my answer: "just this one" :)