XP Pro activation limit?

Ok, I know this has be hashed and rehashed, but I'm wondering why XP made me call the number to get the code after I had done a bunch of installations on an UNCHANGED MACHINE. The only thing changed was drivers (and BIOS versions - will that do it?).

Also, now that I've called and got the new code, how many times until I have to do that again? Do I have to do it every time now?

Well hey WELCOME

Hard to say, most likely not.

My guess would be that all those auths on your ser number set up a blip and they just flagged you for a phone auth to see what was going on. So you should be OK or you can only hope they will just get the point after a few calls. Good luck.

I ran into the same thing last time I installed XP. I havent installed since so I cant help you there. Just make sure you tell them your copy is only on one system and you'll be OK.

Yes, there is a limit. Though I actually forget how many I think its like 5 or 6, somewhere around there. Also yes you will have to call in everytime from now on. Or atleast that has been the trend I have seen with people(including me). Shouldn't pose much of a problem though, just say their OS screwed up and you had to do a reinstall because of it.

tenchi86 said:

Yes, there is a limit. Though I actually forget how many I think its like 5 or 6, somewhere around there. Also yes you will have to call in everytime from now on. Or atleast that has been the trend I have seen with people(including me). Shouldn't pose much of a problem though, just say their OS screwed up and you had to do a reinstall because of it.

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Actually, I believe when you call, your Activation is "Reset", and you will NOT have to call again for a long time, or at least until you make a major hardware change. I have done this in 3 different PC's, and after calling once (for each PC as needed), I was able to activate multiple times online w/o issues...

Also, if you don't change anything or re-install for around 3 months, I think this also "resets" the Activation requirements. I built my parents a new PC, and I used the XP-Pro CD-Key (bought legitemately from Newegg) that I had on the old Dell (no changes or re-installs for about 6 months), and it activated just fine on the new PC (the new PC has the CD drive from the Dell, so I consider it the "Same PC" legally speaking ).

It is really easy to call and activate, but I had issues trying to get through last week. I called 3-4 times, and the Automated system seemed like it was freaking out, and then I was on hold for over an hour (on speakerphone). I hung up, and called back an hour later - and I got right through.