Xp

[tonysmith1929]

Has XP always needed to be validated after loading or is this a new Microsoft idea ??????

[Chewy]

the genuine advantage validation started way over a year ago

before that there was activation on a new install

[Junkie_ball]

the genuine advantage validation started way over a year ago

before that there was activation on a new install

Genuine advantage validation is used to ensure your copy is legal and allows you to download the security updates from the microsoft website.

[blutach]

It takes only a few seconds, but M$ make you periodically download its "Genuine Advantage Tool", which tranlsates to "Prove to M$ that your copy of Windows is Genuine Before We Zillionaires Give You The Updates Tool".

Regards

[tonysmith1929]

XP validation.

Thanks to all. I think I asked that question a bit wrong.
Am aware of original 'validation' by numbers on disc cover. What I meant was, when did the genuine advantage lark start, as I have loaded a fairly old original full XP,(not a restore or update) and wondered if it would stop in 28 days time and tell me to ask Mr Gates for permission to use my own copy.....I gather it wont. Now all I want is XP2 to add, but think there is a link here for non microsoft SP2.. Thanks

[Chewy]

You are confused, all standard versions of windows xp have had the 28 day activation from the beginning, many computers are preactivated by the manufacturers or builders

If you haven't used the internet or phone activation you will be locked out.

[tonysmith1929]

XP validation.

Oh dear......I honestly dont know if this copy has been used/validated/whatever before......what happens if I try and it has ??????? Thanks Chewey

[Junkie_ball]

Oh dear......I honestly dont know if this copy has been used/validated/whatever before......what happens if I try and it has ??????? Thanks Chewey

As long as you own the software legally you can phone through for an activation code. i haven't done this for XP but i have with Office after upgrading my machine. I have used the activation about 3-4 times after upgrading. As long as you only have the software on one machine (unless you have purchased a number of licenses) and you own the license going through the activation process won't be a problem.

[Chewy]

I had a friend back when they were more strict, he put xp on an older 98 machine and activated, it was a bust, not enough video memory or hard drive space, he removed it and went back to w 98

Next he loaded the same version on a new machine he built, it crashed thru operator error in a couple of weeks, he tried a better load of the drivers and software, he failed online activation the third time but called and they activated for him, they did grill him on it being the third time in a month he was trying to use the same number

I reloaded 2 old dell's last month with my disks and their numbers, activation and validation went thru the internet automatically

This is getting to be a burdensome load for microsoft, somewhere down the road I expect a hot patch
that gives up the activation validation ghost, they won't do it until they release another well received OS, their last fiasco with Vista has taught them a lesson

[Junkie_ball]

I had a friend back when they were more strict, he put xp on an older 98 machine and activated, it was a bust, not enough video memory or hard drive space, he removed it and went back to w 98

Next he loaded the same version on a new machine he built, it crashed thru operator error in a couple of weeks, he tried a better load of the drivers and software, he failed online activation the third time but called and they activated for him, they did grill him on it being the third time in a month he was trying to use the same number

I reloaded 2 old dell's last month with my disks and their numbers, activation and validation went thru the internet automatically

This is getting to be a burdensome load for microsoft, somewhere down the road I expect a hot patch
that gives up the activation validation ghost, they won't do it until they release another well received OS, their last fiasco with Vista has taught them a lesson

Never tried activation of the same license 3 times in a month but guess that would look quite suspicious. Think when i re-used my license i had roughly 6 months between the activation processes. Phoned through used the automated process every time without a hitch.

[Kabuchan]

I have a friend reinstalls either XP or Vista all the time. He dual boots one of his PCs and because he's a gamer he's constantly upgrading others and reinstalling his OS. How does he get around M$'s iron fist? I know he has all the updates burned to a disk. Could that be how he does it?

[Chewy]

there 2 versions of xp that do not have to be activated, corporate(large companies buy a lot of liscenses and behind a server firewall, they recieve updates thru the server) and the student edition(computer tech schools buy a liscense for students/they install reinstall as a matter of their studies)

and then there are those illegally cracking the OS in a continual cat and mouse game with Microsoft

Many of the antimalware forums require you to download and pass a validation test

[tonysmith1929]

XP validation.

Thanks to all, will let you know how I get on(when I find the website to try my luck) Cheers

[tonysmith1929]

XP validation.

Thanks to all who offered ideas. I have now made sure by getting an OEM legal copy, now validated (easy,about 30 seconds). However, I noted the 'dubious 'copy I had loaded first did not have any 'balloons' which came up to tell you to validate, that ran for a week OK,so am keeping it for future use. Cheers to all....