XP: Can I ?????

[ohms18k]

Question:

If installing XP Pro, can i add and remove hardware before registering XP over the internet without having to call MS?

[Chris Wolfe]

After initially installing XP Pro, you will have a certain number of days before you have to "activate" it. I believe that is 30 days, but I am not sure. After the initial activation, a major hardware change will require you to re-activate within 7 days. I've not seen the "limited functionality" mode that it goes into after the activation time has expired, but I would imagine it would be something akin to safe mode with limited functionality. The "corporate" version does not require activation.

[ohms18k]

It is 30 days.

So, I'm OK until i activate it.

I have all kinds if hardware to swap around.

thanks Chris :cool:

[wbierman]

You will have to swap around 6 items to actually prompt a re-activation.

[MikeTimbers]

Very interested to hear your experiences because a Microsoft published guide to XP states categorically that activation only applies to the Home edition. I don't believe it personally so let us know.

[Bruce]

Originally posted by Chris Wolfe
The "corporate" version does not require activation.
My local computer super-store sells XP-Home, XP-Pro, and OEM versions. Which do you mean? I presume you mean XP Pro:confused:

That's almost worth the extra $$ even if you never use the extra features in pro (which I probably would, so it's not really an issue for me.)

Let's see if I've got this straight. Today I can buy XP Home for $99 and MS makes sure I don't cheat and install it on a second machine. I can buy XP Pro for $199 and I don't need me to prove to them that I follow the licensing agreement. Hmmmmm:rolleyes:

I'm sticking with Win98SE and/or Win2KPro which I already own and/or Linux.

[ohms18k]

Before my initial activation i will make well over six hardware changes.

You will have to swap around 6 items to actually prompt a re-activation.

Is there a time limit on how long i can wait after the sixth hardware change where my slate is wiped clean and start six new changes?

[pelligrini]

I saw on Tech-TV that you need XP-Pro if you want to do SMP.

[Chris Wolfe]

Originally posted by Bruce

My local computer super-store sells XP-Home, XP-Pro, and OEM versions. Which do you mean? I presume you mean XP Pro:confused:

That's almost worth the extra $$ even if you never use the extra features in pro (which I probably would, so it's not really an issue for me.)

Let's see if I've got this straight. Today I can buy XP Home for $99 and MS makes sure I don't cheat and install it on a second machine. I can buy XP Pro for $199 and I don't need me to prove to them that I follow the licensing agreement. Hmmmmm:rolleyes:

I'm sticking with Win98SE and/or Win2KPro which I already own and/or Linux.
I mean XP Pro Corporate Edition. Your local computer store won't be selling it.

[Bruce]

Originally posted by pelligrini
I saw on Tech-TV that you need XP-Pro if you want to do SMP.

That's what the box says, too.

[Chris Wolfe]

Originally posted by ohms18k
Before my initial activation i will make well over six hardware changes.



Is there a time limit on how long i can wait after the sixth hardware change where my slate is wiped clean and start six new changes?
Yes, there is. The current configuration becomes the baseline configuration after a timeframe that I don't remember ( I think 180 days ). I'll see if I can't find out more about this for you.

[Chris Wolfe]

Originally posted by pelligrini
I saw on Tech-TV that you need XP-Pro if you want to do SMP.
Absolutely true.

[pelligrini]

You guy's know how many processors XP-Pro will support?

I really hate trying to find anything on Microsoft's or Intel's websites.

[verT]

I have heard of the corporate edition not requiring activation, I haven't seen it yet. I have read in PC World that you may reactivate your original copy 120 days after your original activation without phoning M$.

[Chris Wolfe]

Originally posted by pelligrini
You guy's know how many processors XP-Pro will support?

I really hate trying to find anything on Microsoft's or Intel's websites.
According to this (http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q282/0/12.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=How%20many%20processors&rnk=2&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=WINXP) article, 2.

[pelligrini]

Originally posted by verT
I have heard of the corporate edition not requiring activation, I haven't seen it yet. I have read in PC World that you may reactivate your original copy 120 days after your original activation without phoning M$.
The .nfo on my XP-Pro version says it doesn't need activation.
I haven't burned it yet.:rolleyes:

[X-Calibur]

Originally posted by pelligrini

The .nfo on my XP-Pro version says it doesn't need activation.
I haven't burned it yet.:rolleyes:

Ahem !

Naughty naughty naughty !!!

:rolleyes:

[pelligrini]

It says "Distribute Freely" right on the cd.
I write that on all my cds :D

[zhotfire]

Originally posted by pelligrini
It says "Distribute Freely" right on the cd.
I write that on all my cds :D
Just like the rulz of warez, you have to remember... if you find it useful, buy it.
- quote from an unidentified user: "i dunno, over the past 18 months it has crashed several times..." :rolleyes:

[Bruce]

Originally posted by pelligrini
You guy's know how many processors XP-Pro will support?


I looked at the Pro-box again in the store. It says "one or two processors of 300 MHz or greater."

[wbierman]

This should clear all this confusion up...

1. XP Home supports 1 CPU. WPA (Windows Product Activation)required. 6 items make up your product Id. The biggies are mother board/bios and your HD.

2. XP Pro supports 2 CPUs. WPA required. Same info as above.

3. "White box" with XP Home or XP Pro installed. Probabbly activated by builder... if not WPA required. Same info as above.

4. Name brand PC (Dell, HP, Compaq, etc.) XP Home or XP Pro installed...WPA not required because it has already been done in the factory.

5. Open License customer. WPA not required because MS has a special OLPK "Open License Product Key:. That # on the Orange Label you find on most MS products.

Quickest way to require a re-activation... Reformat your HD or replace it with a different drive or replace it with a new HD. (Your HD stores the Activation number) That will require a call to MS for a new Activation number. The Activation application will display a number which you read to the MS rep. They then read you a new number which you type into the appropriate box and press <Enter>.

System reboots and WPA is completed. This phone call takes around 3 minutes and is totally painless. This is not the grand inquistion!

I have done this twice this month. I have two OEM copies of XP Pro.

[X-Calibur]

Originally posted by zhotfire

Just like the rulz of warez, you have to remember... if you find it useful, buy it.
- quote from an unidentified user: "i dunno, over the past 18 months it has crashed several times..." :rolleyes:

LOL... I mean, 2 years of road test is NEVER enought... actually it didn't work with the judge when I was caught for grand "teft" auto at the town car dealer.... ? I was just trying it out your honor, I was just about to return it... what container? Oh the one for the Middle East? Nah, that was a charity donation... the car was in there? I assure you I had no idea....


:rolleyes: :cool: :D