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From: mister_friendly on 3 Apr 2010 03:37
On Fri, 2 Apr 2010 15:15:57 +0100, "DL" <invalid(a)nowhere.com> wrote:

>If you buy a retail version of winxp, from a valid supplier, you can install
>/ activate as often as necessary.
>If an oem version, then its locked to the original hardware.

OK, I was confused on that matter.

>If you change a motherboard you would need to run a repair installation of
>winxp and install the new drivers

Thats about the same thing I have done with Win98, except it's more or
less done manually.

>Winxp is coming to the end of its support lifecycle

Yep, I know that, but my hardware still works and I am unable to
afford a new computer, when I can get used ones for next to nothing
and swap parts. Seems my homemade computers are always a few years
behind, but they work, and for my needs, even Win98 still works fine,
except that they keep changing stuff to force us to upgrade.
Althought I am booted to Win98 right now, I upgraded to Win2000
several years ago mostly for USB support, which 98 really lacks.

The one question that was NOT answered is what happens when MS stops
supporting XP. Will they stop activating it too? Will that force all
XP users to buy new computers to get Win7 or whatever is the newest?

Does anyone know for sure what MS plans to do about activating XP when
it's no longer supported? With MS Dos, Win3.x. Win9.x and Win2k, it
did not matter. As long as the user has a valid registration number
it can still be installed, whether supported or not. But with XP and
Vista, what will happen when MS stops supporting it, in regards to
activation? It seems like a time bomb waiting to go off. Lets say
that MS decides that on July 1, 2010 MS stops supporting XP, and on
July 10 my hard drive fails. I'm screwed if I cant reinstall XP on a
new hard drive due to a lack of activation.

We're constantly being told to care for our environment, yet MS and
other companies keep making our hardware obsolete, which fills
landfills with still usable computers. This irks me. Sure I suppose
I could run Linux, but if lots of people do that, isn't that
counterproductive to MS, who wants our sales?

>Personally I couldn't see any need or purpose to dual boot win2k and winxp,
>unless you have some hardware only supported by win2k. All the software I
>had under win2k ran fine on winxp
>

I guess I only want to do that because I do not like going to a new OS
and having to relearn it, when I have the "familiar old friend" to
use. Some days using a new OS is exciting, other days I just want to
USE the computer, and not fuss around with learning it. The more I
think about it, I might be better off dual booting Win98 and XP. I
have hundreds of applications installed in Win98, and I'm so used to
it that I seem to boot to 98 more than 2K. In 2K I only have repeats
of the programs from 98, mostly just browsers and internet stuff.
Most of my personal programs are still run from Win98, only because
they have been installed there for 12 years. To be honest. I am not a
real fan of upgrading anything. If the software I am using works for
my needs, why do I want to upgrade. It's just like when I do home
repairs, I still like my dirty old hammer with the crack in the
handle better than the brand new ones, just because it "feels right".
Possibly just part of my getting old and set in my ways too.

><mister_friendly(a)the-newzgroups.com> wrote in message
>news:cm0cr5pihijuoq0gonr6tvri7f7g4t4n4v(a)4ax.com...
>> I have been running Win2000Pro for years. I really dont want to
>> upgrade, but I am seeing more and more things that do not run on 2K
>> anymore. I do not have the hardware to run Win7, and wont go near
>> Vista for any reason. I guess XP is my only choice. I have no
>> intention to buy another computer.
>>
>> The problem I am having is understanding the activation. First off, I
>> would guess the only way I can buy XP now, is a used copy from ebay or
>> something like that. BUt can I activate a used copy? And even if I
>> was able to find an unopened new copy. what happens if MS abandons XP,
>> which I have a feeling they will do soon, just like they did with 2K
>> and 95 and 98. Will they still activate it, or is buying XP now just
>> a waste of money.
>>
>> One of the main reasons I never upgraded was because of that
>> activation. I know that changing hardware invalidates it, and I am
>> always adding new hardware, change the motherboard if I get a deal on
>> a more powerful one, and whenever I get a faster (older) computer, I
>> often move my harddrive (with all my data) to the newer computer.
>> Doing this was easy with Win98, and I have done it with Win2k, but it
>> takes a little more fussing around. I heard that this is not possible
>> with XP, mostly because of the activation.
>>
>> With this in mind, does this mean I will have to buy a new copy of XP
>> everytime I do a major upgrade of my hardware, and reactivate
>> everytime I do a minor upgrade? This all sounds like a big hassle,
>> which I am not all that willing to do, not to mention the fact that I
>> do not like giving out personal information to ANY company, in this
>> day and age of identity theft. But it looks like I have no other
>> choice other than getting a Macintosh computer, or installing Linux
>> (neither which I want to do).
>>
>> Is there any way around this? Is there any version of XP, or "hack"
>> that eliminates the need to activate? I'm not trying to get XP for
>> free, but at the same time I am not pleased about being treated like a
>> criminal by MS.
>>
>> When I say "upgrade" I do not mean to actually "upgrade 2K". I intend
>> to keep 2K and dual boot to XP. Presently I dual boot to 98se and
>> 2Kpro, but I'll move 98 to another computer, since I dont think it's
>> possible to triple boot.
>>
>>

From: mister_friendly on 3 Apr 2010 04:18
On Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:09:41 +0300, John Doue <notwobe(a)yahoo.com>
wrote:

>
>On 4/2/2010 5:45 PM, mister_friendly(a)the-newzgroups.com wrote:
>> I have been running Win2000Pro for years. I really dont want to
>> upgrade, but I am seeing more and more things that do not run on 2K
>> anymore. I do not have the hardware to run Win7, and wont go near
>> Vista for any reason. I guess XP is my only choice. I have no
>> intention to buy another computer.
>>
>> The problem I am having is understanding the activation. First off, I
>> would guess the only way I can buy XP now, is a used copy from ebay or
>> something like that. BUt can I activate a used copy? And even if I
>> was able to find an unopened new copy. what happens if MS abandons XP,
>> which I have a feeling they will do soon, just like they did with 2K
>> and 95 and 98. Will they still activate it, or is buying XP now just
>> a waste of money.
>>
>> One of the main reasons I never upgraded was because of that
>> activation. I know that changing hardware invalidates it, and I am
>> always adding new hardware, change the motherboard if I get a deal on
>> a more powerful one, and whenever I get a faster (older) computer, I
>> often move my harddrive (with all my data) to the newer computer.
>> Doing this was easy with Win98, and I have done it with Win2k, but it
>> takes a little more fussing around. I heard that this is not possible
>> with XP, mostly because of the activation.
>>
>> With this in mind, does this mean I will have to buy a new copy of XP
>> everytime I do a major upgrade of my hardware, and reactivate
>> everytime I do a minor upgrade? This all sounds like a big hassle,
>> which I am not all that willing to do, not to mention the fact that I
>> do not like giving out personal information to ANY company, in this
>> day and age of identity theft. But it looks like I have no other
>> choice other than getting a Macintosh computer, or installing Linux
>> (neither which I want to do).
>>
>> Is there any way around this? Is there any version of XP, or "hack"
>> that eliminates the need to activate? I'm not trying to get XP for
>> free, but at the same time I am not pleased about being treated like a
>> criminal by MS.
>>
>> When I say "upgrade" I do not mean to actually "upgrade 2K". I intend
>> to keep 2K and dual boot to XP. Presently I dual boot to 98se and
>> 2Kpro, but I'll move 98 to another computer, since I dont think it's
>> possible to triple boot.
>>
>>
>Let me try to get to the bottom-line.
>
>You like to change your hardware? Why not buy a used desktop with XP on
>it? Since you are technically oriented, at least from a hardware
>standpoint, this would be the easiest and cheapest way to update both
>your hardware and OS.
>
I guess you got a point. While this computer (Pentium III 1000mhz
with 512 Ram and 80g harddrive) is sufficient, I was considering a
larger harddrive. I can not add more Ram, since 512 is the limit.\
So, if I can find a used XP computer for a good price, with hopefully
a larger harddrive, and comes with XP, I'd be happy, and I could leave
this computer for my Win98 and Win2K operations, as well as storage,
since over 50% of my harddrive is nothing but storage of photos,
music, and older downloads. So, if I add the cost of a retail version
of XP plus the cost of a larger harddrive, I might be ahead.

>Then, inasmuch you become the legitimate owner of a licence, look at it
>this way: the requirement to activate is meant to prevent users from

So, lets say I do buy a used computer with XP installed. Isn't that
installation licensed to someone else during activation? Lets say
that the former owner was named John Doe. I buy the computer and
after a few months I need to reactivate because of a harddrive
failure. Lets say my name is Bob Smith. Won't MS tell me that this
copy of XP is licensed to John Doe, and I can not activate it?

From that thought comes another question. Lets say that my neighbor
just bought a brand new computer with Windows7. His former computer,
which ran XP went up in smoke. He does not plan to ever use XP again,
and sells me the CD with the registration number (retail version).
Considering that particular copy of XP is no longer in use on anyones
computer, can I legally become the owner and activate it?

>using the same OS on several machines, or even selling the OS to third
>parties. Since this is not what you intend to do ... I realize such
>phones calls are a nuisance, but do not expect people to tell you here
>how to hack you way around activation!

I can understand that, and I am not trying to get an illegal copy.
But at the same time, if XP is soon to become obsolete or unsupported,
I do not want to spend a lot of money on it. I'm sure there are lots
of no longer copies floating around because people have upgraded to
Vista or Win7. If I can get one of them for a fair price that is the
way I'll go, (IF I CAN ACTIVATE IT)....... Unless I do as above and
get another computer complete with XP.

And, one last question. You said a person can not use the same OS on
several machines. Does that mean even if these machines belong to the
same person? For example, if I have a desktop computer, and a laptop
computer, I would need two copies of XP to install them on both
computers? And what happens if I am building a spare computer and
just want to do a test install of XP to verify if it works. Do I need
to purchase yet another copy, just to test things out? I ask this
because over the years, I have built many computers from spare parts,
installed Win95 or 98, or 2K, ran them for a few days to be sure they
worked properly, then formatted the drive and sold the computer. It
seems like this could not be done with XP, which makes me ask what the
computer repair shops do? They must buy more copies of XP or Vista
than anyone else and must be activating all the time...... Or is there
some special DEMO package made for their uses?

>Triple booting. Consider using defunct System Commander, still
>relatively easy to obtain I believe. I have personally not gone beyond
>double boot but I believe it is feasible.

I recall hearing that name some years ago.
I always have at least 8 partitions anyhow. I like having separate
partitions for different operations and/or storage. Makes for quicker
defragmentation too. I also have Partition Magic, and that allows for
resizing and moving partitions.

In some ways, this computer is semi-triple booting. I have the choice
to boot to Dos, or to Win2000. (yea, I still use Dos). In Dos mode,
I just type WIN and I start Win98.

From: Doum on 4 Apr 2010 13:54
mister_friendly(a)the-newzgroups.com �crivait
news:s2sdr5d37hdng09n8qlq6uo60oi4f3eo0b(a)4ax.com:


<snip>
>
> So, lets say I do buy a used computer with XP installed. Isn't that
> installation licensed to someone else during activation? Lets say
> that the former owner was named John Doe. I buy the computer and
> after a few months I need to reactivate because of a harddrive
> failure. Lets say my name is Bob Smith. Won't MS tell me that this
> copy of XP is licensed to John Doe, and I can not activate it?
>


When you activate XP, no personnal information (such as name) is used
only the key number. XP is licensed to a computer, not a person.


> From that thought comes another question. Lets say that my neighbor
> just bought a brand new computer with Windows7. His former computer,
> which ran XP went up in smoke. He does not plan to ever use XP again,
> and sells me the CD with the registration number (retail version).
> Considering that particular copy of XP is no longer in use on anyones
> computer, can I legally become the owner and activate it?

Yes

<snip>

> I can understand that, and I am not trying to get an illegal copy.
> But at the same time, if XP is soon to become obsolete or unsupported,
> I do not want to spend a lot of money on it. I'm sure there are lots
> of no longer copies floating around because people have upgraded to
> Vista or Win7. If I can get one of them for a fair price that is the
> way I'll go, (IF I CAN ACTIVATE IT)....... Unless I do as above and
> get another computer complete with XP.
>

MS has said that if they stop activating XP, they will issue a patch that
will allows to use XP without activation "for the eternity".

For now, you will be able to activate even an OEM copy if it's a generic
MS CD (not branded like Dell, Acer, HP, Sony, etc.), Using an OEM copy
that way is illegal by the EULA (contract) but since it will activate I
don't think MS will take you to court.

> And, one last question. You said a person can not use the same OS on
> several machines.


It has always been like that, but before XP, MS didn't check


> Does that mean even if these machines belong to the
> same person? For example, if I have a desktop computer, and a laptop
> computer, I would need two copies of XP to install them on both
> computers?

Yes. But I must add that laptops usually come with Windows preinstalled
so there is a license tied to them. Check the bottom of the laptop, there
should be a Microsoft sticker with a license key on it.

Let's say someone gives you a laptop with a failed harddrive, you can
replace the hard drive, and reinstall XP using an MS generic OEM CD that
matches the type and language of XP (Home or Pro) on the sticker (legal
to copy only the CD)

And what happens if I am building a spare computer and
> just want to do a test install of XP to verify if it works. Do I need
> to purchase yet another copy, just to test things out?

No need to buy another copy. You have 30 days to activate before XP stops
working, that gives you plenty time to test your hardware.



From: mister_friendly on 5 Apr 2010 01:50
On Sun, 04 Apr 2010 10:54:25 -0700, Doum <me(a)domain.net> wrote:

>mister_friendly(a)the-newzgroups.com �crivait
>news:s2sdr5d37hdng09n8qlq6uo60oi4f3eo0b(a)4ax.com:
>
>
><snip>
>>
>> So, lets say I do buy a used computer with XP installed. Isn't that
>> installation licensed to someone else during activation? Lets say
>> that the former owner was named John Doe. I buy the computer and
>> after a few months I need to reactivate because of a harddrive
>> failure. Lets say my name is Bob Smith. Won't MS tell me that this
>> copy of XP is licensed to John Doe, and I can not activate it?
>>
>
>
>When you activate XP, no personnal information (such as name) is used
>only the key number. XP is licensed to a computer, not a person.
>
>
>> From that thought comes another question. Lets say that my neighbor
>> just bought a brand new computer with Windows7. His former computer,
>> which ran XP went up in smoke. He does not plan to ever use XP again,
>> and sells me the CD with the registration number (retail version).
>> Considering that particular copy of XP is no longer in use on anyones
>> computer, can I legally become the owner and activate it?
>
>Yes
>
><snip>
>
>> I can understand that, and I am not trying to get an illegal copy.
>> But at the same time, if XP is soon to become obsolete or unsupported,
>> I do not want to spend a lot of money on it. I'm sure there are lots
>> of no longer copies floating around because people have upgraded to
>> Vista or Win7. If I can get one of them for a fair price that is the
>> way I'll go, (IF I CAN ACTIVATE IT)....... Unless I do as above and
>> get another computer complete with XP.
>>
>
>MS has said that if they stop activating XP, they will issue a patch that
>will allows to use XP without activation "for the eternity".
>

OK, that's cool. I feel better about the whole thing now. At least
MS shows they care once and awhile. After all, many of us have older
computers and just can not use Vista or Win7. And in my case I have
no need to use Vista or higher. It's only a home computer for going
online and running a few home apps. Aside from the computer geeks and
power game users, or some huge corporation, I see no need to run
anything above XP. Even my Win98 and/or Win2k are satisfactory,
except that we are being forced to upgrade by websites and hardware
makers. For example, if I go on youtube now, I am told that both IE6
and the last ver of Firefox that will run on Win98, are obsolete.
This really ticks me off. I have been using youtube for years and it
always worked fine. Why do they do this? It operates the exact same
way when I use Firefox 3.x in Win2000. Of course part of the blame
goes to Firefox for now supplying a ver 3 browser for Win98.

>For now, you will be able to activate even an OEM copy if it's a generic
>MS CD (not branded like Dell, Acer, HP, Sony, etc.), Using an OEM copy
>that way is illegal by the EULA (contract) but since it will activate I
>don't think MS will take you to court.

This is one spot where I am still puzzled. Lets say I buy an OEM CD
on ebay or craigslist. How do I know if its branded? Does it say for
example (DELL) on the cd itself, or on the CD packaging? If I buy it
from my neighbor, I can return it, but not likely on an online
auction. So I want to be sure that I get one I can use. My computers
are always "no name" generic ones I build from spare parts. The one
I'm using right now has an IBM motherboard, but everything else has
been changed.
>
>> And, one last question. You said a person can not use the same OS on
>> several machines.
>
>
>It has always been like that, but before XP, MS didn't check
>
>
>> Does that mean even if these machines belong to the
>> same person? For example, if I have a desktop computer, and a laptop
>> computer, I would need two copies of XP to install them on both
>> computers?
>
>Yes. But I must add that laptops usually come with Windows preinstalled
>so there is a license tied to them. Check the bottom of the laptop, there
>should be a Microsoft sticker with a license key on it.
>
OK, I bought my 12 year old laptop at a used computer store AS-IS. It
came with no hard drive. I bought a hard drive and installed it. It
has a sticker on it for Win98 and I installed 98 and used the license
key number on that sticker, rather than re-use the same number for the
Win98 installed on my desktop. However, I had to upgrade to Win2000
on the laptop because my add-on Wifi card would not work on anything
less than Win2000. A friend gave me his old no longer needed copy of
Win2K, so I was all set. But that eliminated the license key on the
computer. I would not even try to install XP on that laptop, too
slow, too little ram.

>Let's say someone gives you a laptop with a failed harddrive, you can
>replace the hard drive, and reinstall XP using an MS generic OEM CD that
>matches the type and language of XP (Home or Pro) on the sticker (legal
>to copy only the CD)
>
> And what happens if I am building a spare computer and
>> just want to do a test install of XP to verify if it works. Do I need
>> to purchase yet another copy, just to test things out?
>
>No need to buy another copy. You have 30 days to activate before XP stops
>working, that gives you plenty time to test your hardware.
>

OK, I thought the activation needed to happen immediately. That means
I can test out the computer, then reformat the HD and let the new
owner install their own OS. That solves that.

Thanks for the help.
From: Doum on 5 Apr 2010 09:03
mister_friendly(a)the-newzgroups.com �crivait
news:29uir515vcrbb3qr50jses3tm8eknmgmfl(a)4ax.com:

> On Sun, 04 Apr 2010 10:54:25 -0700, Doum <me(a)domain.net> wrote:
>
>>mister_friendly(a)the-newzgroups.com �crivait
>>news:s2sdr5d37hdng09n8qlq6uo60oi4f3eo0b(a)4ax.com:
<snip>
>
> This is one spot where I am still puzzled. Lets say I buy an OEM CD
> on ebay or craigslist. How do I know if its branded? Does it say for
> example (DELL) on the cd itself, or on the CD packaging? If I buy it
> from my neighbor, I can return it, but not likely on an online
> auction. So I want to be sure that I get one I can use. My computers
> are always "no name" generic ones I build from spare parts. The one
> I'm using right now has an IBM motherboard, but everything else has
> been changed.

<snip>

The brand will be written on the CD but some branded reinstallation CDs
bring back the computer the way it was when it left the factory with all
the drivers, specific softwares like backups and CD burning and some demo
softwares already installed, those don't need activation but only work with
specific models.

I just checked on Ebay and there are some Dell branded CDs that the seller
claims they are full installation and will work on any computer, but if I
were you I would rather buy it from a place like this instead of ebay.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_10?url=search-alias%
3Dsoftware&field-keywords=windows+xp+home+edition&sprefix=windows+xp

HTH

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