I have Windows XP Pro in one of my systems. There is a message that says something like "Due to changes in your hardware, Microsoft XP needs to reactivate" It comes up when I log into the system. Now... my problem is that I lost the CD Key, I have the disc... but I can't find the damn key! Stupid Microsoft...
Windows xp reactive?
Miscellaneous Forums/General Discussion/Windows xp reactive? so what's your question?
Is it normal that I need to reactivate XP because of hardware changes?
yes
Why?
there is no reason. That i can think of.
It being a microsoft product is enough of a reason for anything.
Anyway i thought you didnt need serial key to activate.
It being a microsoft product is enough of a reason for anything.
Anyway i thought you didnt need serial key to activate.
If there are major hardware changes in your PC, XP then thinks that you've put the hard drive in a new PC (Well, Microsoft thinks that you've copied the hard drive, and trying to run one XP license on two machines)
So to make sure your not diddling them, they ask you to reactive that copy...
Key wise, just email them... If you've activated before, I'm sure they'll have your details, along with your key!
Dabz
So to make sure your not diddling them, they ask you to reactive that copy...
Key wise, just email them... If you've activated before, I'm sure they'll have your details, along with your key!
Dabz
Such is the advantage of the corporate version of XP. I wonder if the corporate version of Vista will be as popular amongst home users?
Why?
Because Microsoft have a mature product that they need to increase revenue for. They have shareholders to pay you know. The key should be on a sticker with a hologram affixed to your system.
Microsoft are pretty cool so just give em a ring, explain your situation and they will issue you another key. You can do this as many times as you want until they realise your using the keys to activate 'other' machines ;)
The key should be on a sticker with a hologram affixed to your system.
Note that some companies enjoy sticking said sticker somewhere rediculous. Like on the TabletPC for instance it's INSIDE the battery compartment, and thus totally impossible to get at. Ever. this is why Post - It notes were invented
You can view the key used to set up XP on your system using the Magic Jellybean key finder (do a google search)
*however*, that may not do you any good if you bought your machine with XP pre-installed -- those are typically all cloned at the manufacturer using the same key, so if you need to reactivate you'll have to use the key from the sticker that came affixed to your computer or installation CD. The factory key wouldn't allow a re-activation.
If you don't have a key, be prepared for a 'too bad, buy a new copy of XP' answer from Microsoft.
*however*, that may not do you any good if you bought your machine with XP pre-installed -- those are typically all cloned at the manufacturer using the same key, so if you need to reactivate you'll have to use the key from the sticker that came affixed to your computer or installation CD. The factory key wouldn't allow a re-activation.
If you don't have a key, be prepared for a 'too bad, buy a new copy of XP' answer from Microsoft.