Yet another reason to hate Microsoft

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jim.cox

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#83420 16-May-2011 17:13

I've just spent the last couple of days trying to rebuild one of our computers damaged in the Chch quakes.

Finally get it up and running with the a new motherboard and processor

And then it says that, beacuse of the hardware changes, XP needs to be reactivated

But it fails the online activation

So I ring Microsoft trying to get a resolution

Only to have them tell me that, beacuse XP is now 'in extended warranty' they want $80 before they will even look at the problem, and that they wont guarantee a solution

So we now have an old box, a new motherboard,? and a valid licence we can't use

Thankx Microsoft, thank you very much indeed :angry: :angry: :angry:

[Mod (N8): As per FUGs please use proper company names]

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#469764 16-May-2011 17:15

If you just do the activation by phone you should be fine.
I've never had a problem reactivating Windows after replaceing a mainboard.

Are you sure it isn't failing the online activation because you haven't installed the drivers for the new LAN card?

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

tardtasticx

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#469769 16-May-2011 17:26

Get fair go involved. lol. They've dealt with MS before I think, and they got what they wanted Im sure. They always do. Or, call back and just keep asking for the persons manager if they say they wont do it, demand that its unacceptable and stuff, take them on a guilt trip

Ragnor

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#469775 16-May-2011 17:31

If the box was Windows 98 would you be making the same complaint?

The reason I ask is because Windows XP is over 10 years old, even service pack 3 is near 3 years old now (released in 2008).

Ragnor

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#469777 16-May-2011 17:33

tardtasticx: Get fair go involved. lol. They've dealt with MS before I think, and they got what they wanted Im sure. They always do. Or, call back and just keep asking for the persons manager if they say they wont do it, demand that its unacceptable and stuff, take them on a guilt trip

The lifecycle for windows is clearly documented and part of what you agree to when you use windows.
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifePolicy

robbyp

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#469781 16-May-2011 17:40

Ragnor:
tardtasticx: Get fair go involved. lol. They've dealt with MS before I think, and they got what they wanted Im sure. They always do. Or, call back and just keep asking for the persons manager if they say they wont do it, demand that its unacceptable and stuff, take them on a guilt trip

The lifecycle for windows is clearly documented and part of what you agree to when you use windows.

I don't see what the lifecycle of the product has to do with product activation. If you pay for a product, you expect to be able use that product for as long as you want, unless it was sold with some form of expiry date. I can still install windows 95 without any problems, but obviously it is no longer advisable. The OP isn't asking for support for the software, just for the activation, which is their own system setup to prevent piracy. The end user shouldn't be disadvantaged for issues regarding piracy protection. That policy you mentioned is a support policy, and doesn't actually mention activation anyway.

robbyp

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#469782 16-May-2011 17:41

Ragnor: If the box was Windows 98 would you be making the same complaint?

The reason I ask is because Windows XP is over 10 years old, even service pack 3 is near 3 years old now (released in 2008).

They wouldn't be having the same problem with win 98 would they, as it doesn't have product activation I don't think. Therefore they could still install and use win 98 on it.

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Kraven

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#469784 16-May-2011 17:46

It is more than likely failing the online activation because it can't actually get online - the network interface o nthe new motherboard won't have the correct drivers installed or it just isn't configured correctly. The problem is, to fix you need to log into Windows, which you are prevented from doing due to the forced re-activation. Chicken vs egg...

Your only option is to do a manual activation over the phone, as CYaBro has suggested. You're given this option when going through the activation process. Should take less than 5 minutes and you'll be up and running again and it shouldn't cost you anything!

billgates

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#469810 16-May-2011 18:38

CYaBro: If you just do the activation by phone you should be fine.
I've never had a problem reactivating Windows after replaceing a mainboard.

Are you sure it isn't failing the online activation because you haven't installed the drivers for the new LAN card?

+ 1. Activate over the phone and it will work. I activate an copy of XP Pro key couple of days on a different box altogether over the automated phone system and it worked fine.

Do whatever you want to do man.

alexx

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#469814 16-May-2011 18:52

Ragnor: If the box was Windows 98 would you be making the same complaint?

The reason I ask is because Windows XP is over 10 years old, even service pack 3 is near 3 years old now (released in 2008).

From Wikipedia, which could be wrong… "XP first released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001".
So only over 10 years old if you count developers and beta testers.

If the thread starter doesn't get any joy from the activation by phone suggestion, then perhaps a good time to time to consider installing a different O/S… otherwise you can’t complain how you are treated if you keep coming back for more of the same.

freitasm

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#469817 16-May-2011 18:59

How to activate Windows XP over the phone: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890

How to find the phone number for the activation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

It is an automated system. You don't have to talk to anyone. You probably just called the wrong number.

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alexx

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#469822 16-May-2011 19:13

freitasm: How to find the phone number for the activation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

It is an automated system. You don't have to talk to anyone. You probably just called the wrong number.

I've used this before a few times for Windows Server 2003 and 2008 and for servers behind firewalls, it's often the only option as you aren't going to be able to activate by internet. Seems like a lot of numbers to type into your phone, but in actual fact it works pretty well.

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StanleyTodd

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#469910 16-May-2011 23:37

Funny this I just replaced my graphics card and updated the drivers and have the same problem. Maybe it's microsofts way of forcing an upgrade. Just a thought.

Regs

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#469912 16-May-2011 23:46

the product key always had to be reactivated if you changed several bits of core hardware. just changing a graphics card shouldnt do it.

and if youre having software reload issues due to the earthquake, instead of "getting fair go involved", try the microsoft christchurch free hotline: http://www.microsoft.com/nz/presscentre/articles/2011/feb23-christchurch-earthquake-support.mspx

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michaelmurfy

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#469913 16-May-2011 23:53

billgates:
CYaBro: If you just do the activation by phone you should be fine.
I've never had a problem reactivating Windows after replaceing a mainboard.

Are you sure it isn't failing the online activation because you haven't installed the drivers for the new LAN card?

+ 1. Activate over the phone and it will work. I activate an copy of XP Pro key couple of days on a different box altogether over the automated phone system and it worked fine.

<Troll>
But Bill Gates doesn't have to activate his copy of Windows XP.
</Troll>

You could use Linux, it's free you know ;) - I never have any issues with activating Windows, like the Bill Gates says, just use the automated phone system and you /should/ be fine.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

jim.cox

224 posts

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#469948 17-May-2011 08:18

michaelmurfy:

You could use Linux, it's free you know ;)

I would prefer to use Linux if I could - but we have some scada control software that is Windows only

The machine goes online fine - I checked I could view Geekzone and Stuff before trying the online activation.

I'll give the phone thing a go today.

[EDIT MOD RC:You have been asked to call companies by their correct names, this applies to their brands also.]

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