Question regarding the re-installation of Windows XP Pro

[Nick The Man]

I have an authentic copy of Windows XP Pro and I want to do a fresh installation of it, just to make things fresh again! So I was wondering, if i reinstall Windows and use the same key i used last time, will it give me that garbage saying I might be a victum of counterfiet software?

[cusebassman]

You should be perfectly fine. Way back when XP first came out, you had to call them if you wanted to reuse your key, but in all the times I've reinstalled XP, I've never had a problem with it. If you do, just call them and explain that you are reinstalling - once you get through, they are actually fairly accomodating (at least in that regard).

These days there may be some maximum number of times the license can be used to register Windows. The pisser about it is that it allows you to fully install Windows, only to have you register your key online once you are done, and then and only then do you find out the key is invalid, and you have 30 days to register before Windows stops working.

However, you should be fine. Format away!

[apl]

Originally Posted by Nick The Man

I have an authentic copy of Windows XP Pro and I want to do a fresh installation of it, just to make things fresh again! So I was wondering, if i reinstall Windows and use the same key i used last time, will it give me that garbage saying I might be a victum of counterfiet software?

I've installed XP Pro three times on one machine (original, mobo replacement, and hdd replacement) and it never gave me any grief.

Also learned that you can install it on a HDD with data on it and XP will leave those files intact.

[xstatic]

There is a good chance that you will have to call microsoft to get a new key, but it only takes maybe 10 minutes. As long as you really have a legitimate CD, they will not give you any grief. I have had to do it on many occasions. This last time they even had me read a code in the clear inner plastic part of the CD to verify it's authenticity. Once again, though, no problem

[vadoom]

I wonder if you plop an image down with OS (previous authenticated, etc, etc) and rest of software if you still need to call M$....

[apl]

I was able to do it online.

[Nick The Man]

I don't know everything seems to work so far, but thanks for all the advice on what to do in case something were to happen.

Which Microsoft number did you guys call?

[xstatic]

I always try and authorize online, but my disc has been installed so many times that I always have to call in. When your online authorization fails it will give you a screen with the number you need to call.

Dropping an image of the OS should work, but with different hardware in the tower will likely cause more problems than it solves.

[apl]

Yeah, when I changed the mobo but had the same HDDs XP demanded a repair which included verification.

[COOLCAT]

I've loaded my disc on three or four different computers and had to call them. I just told them that I jump back and forth between computers. I didn't know they can actually turn it off!! wow? that really is suck-ass service to a customer.

I paid a frkn $100 for the frkn thing...I sure as hell better be able to use it as I like? I'm not some sleaze ball in China making 400,000 copies of bootleg. Why don't they go chase the real criminals? The ones selling and distributing 2 million discs a year?

Oh well..I work at an Engineering college and most the software geeks are turning to Luinix or whatever its called anyway.
And these are pretty high end users. They worked with the FBI and all that on the Berkely hack and the UT hack job...and there all ok with Luinix. Its missing a few things but give them a year or so.

That's bs, MicrosoftMonpoly can shutdown a person without doing anything wrong?
That whole bullshit of registering and that frkn pop-up is bs. Its their $$$$ they're saving, they should do this with out intrusion to the customer. IMO.
Or they should rebate me everytime I waste my time registering again and again.

and then to shut someone off who was an honest paying customer, I'd never heard that before... wow?

Windows is getting as bad as the Banks in the US making $17 billion in fee's to the customer. A little too intrusive and "guilty till proven innocent" crap going on.

Whats next a ONE TIME Windows install CD for $199? Then you have to pay them to registar? You have to swipe your bank card every time you registar to use the CD you paid $100 to $200 for?

I'll probably go Luinix. It was created by the people, free for the people, and has better hack protection anyway. Microsoft competition is way overdue anyway...fhk the Monolopy power trip of turning peoples legitimate CD's off and making the customer call and sit like a dumbass on the wait-line and go thru the Spanish Inquisition to use their product!

ah that felt good...
I heard Vista sucks too for HR.