Windows Activation Key problems

studbagel9 · Jul 11, 2003, 11:36 PM

I just did a reformat after some upgrades and when I installed windows xp home and went to activate it said that I needed a new key because I had activated using that key too many times! I've never installed it on any other computer, and now I can't use this key. Am I going to have to buy an entirely new version of windows?!? I have 30 days till my computer shuts down, so any help is appreciated.

phoenixphylok · Jul 11, 2003, 11:49 PM

IIRC, sometimes upgrading components makes WPA think that it is a totally different computer, so if you've upgraded/reformatted several times, each time it seems like a new computer. Barring the more creative means of WPA, I dont know what else you could do other than call Microsoft and try and get some help that way

integra092 · Jul 12, 2003, 01:12 AM

I think you have to e-mail or call M$ and give them the code off your CD. They will issue you a new key....

Necrosis · Jul 12, 2003, 01:15 AM

I had the same problem....

Basically what it looks for is two things.

1. Chipset Vendor #

2. Network Change.

Yes, every time now when you reload windows you will have to call MS to get a new number.

One reason I want back to Pro....

**MIG-31** · Jul 12, 2003, 01:15 AM

i have seen a article somewhere how to remove the key its asking for but i can't remember where.

studbagel9 · Jul 12, 2003, 03:41 PM

Well that sucks. Does anyone know where I can get that number? I assume it's 800?

~~Crash Override~~ · Jul 12, 2003, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by studbagel9
Well that sucks. Does anyone know where I can get that number? I assume it's 800?

since its deactivated run the activation wizard

tell it you want to activate by phone

it will ask you where you are in the world and will give you a number to call that will put you in contact with MS

they will read off a long number that will allow you to reactivate windows

funny thing with me is I've been running windows for a long ass time and never had any issues with running out of activations per month.

Then again I dont tweak my system as hard as you guys do

ToshiroOC · Jul 12, 2003, 04:26 PM

Yes, I've run into this, follow the directions til you get a phone number, they take down the reason for your reactivation and then follow their instructions and then they read back the correct activation code for you.

MikeDaMan · Jul 12, 2003, 10:40 PM

I've had to call them like 4 different times and havn't had any problems.

studbagel9 · Jul 15, 2003, 06:32 PM

thanks for the help. I was expecting to have to wait in line for like half an hour but my entire phone call was complete in about 3 minutes

ToshiroOC · Jul 15, 2003, 06:40 PM

Glad to hear it

The whole activation thing really isn't as bad as some make it to be, though it is sorta a pain when you're activating a bank of 50 computers... on the phone. That takes forever.

~~craig588~~ · Jul 15, 2003, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ToshiroOC
Glad to hear it The whole activation thing really isn't as bad as some make it to be, though it is sorta a pain when you're activating a bank of 50 computers... on the phone. That takes forever.

Best. Hint. Ever.