WPA is designed to create hash key of the computer hardware so each time you
install XP, that hardware hash should be the same unless you changed a
component. Even the same model computer will create a unique hash because
of serial numbers in the CPU and disk drive serial numbers as well.
Supposedly no matter how many times you install XP (OEM or other non VL
version) on a computer it is supposed to activate just fne over the net
because of the harware hash anonymously identifying the computer. Kind of
like a finger print with no name attached.

Several times I had to build a bunch of computers at a time and lost track
of the key code I was on in my list. I mistakenly put the code on a second
computer and it took. I corrected the problem and put the right code on the
second computer and shortly aftrer had to rebuild the first and was forced
to call in. MS did whatever they did when I called in and now I can redo
that test computer as often as I want with the OEM verions on it. I have
not had to call back in since they updated their records on the phone.

If there is an issue at the time with the MS activation server you could get
denied and told to call in.....Or it could be what I have complained to MS
about before. That is their policy of forcing you to place your OEM tag on
the computer for anyone in the building to get a gander at. It could be
that you have an employee giving out your OEM numbers to friends and family
or just posting them on the Internet to stick it to the company.

I don't mind the activation part, but I really hate having to keep the code
on the computer for all the world to see because anyone working in the
building could rip you off.


"David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
news:eG$Ns5a7IHA.1080@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Did you even read my post before replying? I'll quote the relevant part,
> "Almost all of them have been running for years since their last
> activation"
>
> --
>
> ----
> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>
>
>
> "farid" <faridansari@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:uvhVv4Z7IHA.2332@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> If the reinstall is within 120 days you will be required to activate on
>> phone. Over 120 days its normal internet activation. This policy has been
>> in vogue since the beginning. Please check with your local Microsoft for
>> confirmation.
>> Cheers,
>> Farid
>>
>> "David B." <mail@nomail.net> wrote in message
>> news:ue6blWZ7IHA.2416@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> We have a few hundred identical PC's we built for many clients back in
>>> 2004, on various occasions due to malware or general corruption we
>>> format and reload them. Up until a month ago they were reactivating just
>>> fine, now every one of them is requiring that I call in to get them
>>> activated. Almost all of them have been running for years since their
>>> last activation. These are XP Pro OEM licenses being reinstalled with a
>>> genuine OEM SP2 CD onto the original PC.
>>> Any ideas? Did MS change something in the activation scheme?
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> ----
>>> Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm
>>> How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>