Re: Multiple XP activation?

From: Philip Herlihy (foof8501_at_herlihy.eu.veil.com)
Date: 04/07/04 

Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 09:23:44 +0100

A retail copy of XP should install on any compatible hardware. In contrast,
some OEM copies will only install if they match the BIOS. You should be
fine.

This article is a good starting point on activation:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/windowsproductactivationtechnicalmarketbulletin.doc
... although it doesn't address reinstallation.

I'd have thought the best solution was to Ghost the disk. Then you can
recover the whole thing after the viruses have trashed it, including the
activation certificate. It'll also save you a lot of time. 

-- 
####################
##  PH, London
####################
"Ian" <news@care4free.net> wrote in message
news:+$+mTiEWc6cAFw$t@netro.co.uk...
> I am planning to do some research on malware, and intend to install XP
> Pro on a sacrificial machine to see what happens when there is no
> protection against viruses, worms, trojans etc. On the assumption that
> this malware will do significant damage, I anticipate having to
> re-install XP several times within a short period.
>
> My question relates to activating XP each time I re-install. I will be
> using exactly the same hardware each time, and I will be using a
> full-price retail version of XP (i.e. not an OEM version). After
> contacting Microsoft to activate XP the first time, will the activation
> information I receive from them be good for subsequent installations as
> well, or is it date/time dependent (forcing me to contact Microsoft
> again for each re-installation)? If I do have to contact Microsoft each
> time, will they eventually block my activation request, on the grounds
> that I have re-installed too many times?
>
> Also, the hardware is a Dell machine that originally came pre-installed
> with their own OEM version of XP Home. Is there anything inherent in the
> Dell BIOS/OEM XP combination that would prevent me installing my retail
> XP Pro on this machine?
>
> -- 
> Ian

Relevant Pages

  • Re: XP Pro CD - Retail or OEM?
    ... > me that a retail CD will not work to repair an OEM installation. ... Both OEM and Retail CDs can do a repair but you cannot do one with the other ... (you must use the same sort as you used to install). ... > Is there no way to tell from the copy whether it is retail, oem, upgrade, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Clean install of XP Home; What I learned.
    ... for OEM copies are EVER "wiped clean". ... I have performed a clean install of an OEM XP ... Pro earlier this year despite some hardware changes. ...
    (comp.sys.laptops)
  • Re: XP Pro CD - Retail or OEM?
    ... the retail CD was better to have for certain repairs and things that the OEM ... At least I was able to use my friend's CD to run the Windows XP Upgrade ... >> Windows Me) or a clean install. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment)
  • Re: Activation stinks because I cant reinstall....
    ... The OEM versions are exactly what ... the OP should have been provided from the vendor and the retail versions ... >> Slipstream a release CD to SP2 and use release key - OK ... >> Install or repair with SP2 CD and use retail key - FAIL ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: OEM system builder license
    ... I was given a Dell laptop with an OEM license of W2K Pro. ... Can I install my WinXP on this laptop? ... Yes, but I recommend against it, for the above reason. ... I strongly recommend the Retail Upgrade, not the Retail Full, and not ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)