Changes in Windows XP Product Activation

[IMTNT]

As of February 28, Microsoft will disable Internet activation for all Windows XP product keys located on Certificates of Authenticity (COA) labels that are distributed by the 20 top worldwide PC vendors. Microsoft will be relying on these PC makers to do the activation for users.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1769569,00.asp

[andsome]

If I understand this right, if you reinstall XP, you will not be able to re-register on line, and will have to ask a vendor to do it. Or do I misunderstand?

[djohn]

I think it applies to the OEM versions that are pre-installed on the PC when you first buy andsome. Most are already activated but some are not and the end user needs to do this themselves after purchase.

Those suppliers that already activate the operating system prior to selling will continue to do so, and from Feb. 28 of this year the remaining top 20 suppliers will follow this group, meaning that the end user, or customer will not be able to do so themselves, they will have no need to.

A format and install without any hardware changes will not require re-activating, even changes allowed within the totting up system that Microsoft use will not require activation, only if you make a major change or more than the allowed items in one go will re-activation be required. This can, at present be done via the internet but after the above date it will need to be activated by a phone call, either through Microsoft or perhaps the original vendor.

Small shops, and self builders will still be able to supply/use an OEM version of the operating system with a product key and disk, these will still have access to internet activation when required.

I think I've got that right. :unsure:

[andsome]

My local shop supplied a full installation disc at my request when they built the computer.