August 14th, 2006
All I Want To Do Is Activate Windows!
By David Johnston
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews
I’ve never liked the idea of the Windows Product Activation, though over the years I’ve grown fairly accustomed to the process which can frequently require a call to Microsoft and the reading of a 54-digit long “Installation ID” to a friendly computer with speech recognition (something Microsoft is still working on). Tonight, however, was the first time that many of my misgivings over the activation process were realized and validated. If that picture of a nearly 22 minute phone call with Microsoft’s activation hotline has peaked your interest, please do read on.
It all started when my neighbor asked me to clean up his old laptop so that he could give it to his son to use for schoolwork. The laptop in question is a Thinkpad A31–a few years old, but still quite capable for school-related tasks. However, the laptop came to me after having suffered through the ravages of years of (ab)use and many viruses, so I decided the quickest, most painless way to shape it up was to reinstall Windows. That’s where the trouble began. I had no trouble at all reinstalling Windows. Everything was going as planned until it came time to Activate. For some reason, Microsoft didn’t like the Thinkpad’s product key. The only option left at this point was to call the Windows Product Activation Hotline. I’ve done this countless times before since I like to reinstall my own copies of XP once every few months, and sometimes even multiple times per week. It generally doesn’t take too long. This time, however, my experience was not like any of my previous experiences with the hotline.
I first decided to call using Skype since I know the quality of the line can be horrible and Skype is generally better than my cell phone for call clarity. Initially, everything went as usual. I told the system that I wanted to activate my copy of Windows XP and read my 54-digit long Installation ID into the system. I was then put on hold to wait for a live person since the computer system could not provide me with an activation code. A few seconds after I was put on hold the lovely elevator music stopped and I was greeted with silence. I hadn’t been hung up on (yet), but there was no person on the line either. I waited patiently for about two minutes and heard rustling in the background, but was promptly hung-up on after asking if there was anybody there. Very professional.
I thought that maybe this was some kind of fluke. After all, this was the first time that my activation process hadn’t gone smoothly and I was willing to give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt. Everyone makes mistakes. I called back again, this time using my cell phone since I wasn’t sure if there was some problem with the Skype connection but I received the exact same response as the first time. On my second try with my cell phone, I was actually able to talk to a real person. However, after saying that it would be “just a second” I was abruptly transferred to Australia (from India I’m assuming, based on his accent). I could hear and understand this man a bit more clearly and he seemed to be on top of things…though he did ask for some fairly personal information such as my name and where I was calling from. After telling him about my issues with the India location he said he would transfer me back, but only once he was sure I would be able to talk to a real person.
This transfer was also rough. I am fairly certain I was bounced back to India, where I heard more shuffling around and background chatter before being transferred back to another Australian-sounding woman. She asked me what my Installation ID was, and I gave it to her. However, the connection quality was terrible and it would cut off words and made the process of accurately dictating my 54-digit code difficult to say the least. After I finally finished reading off the code, the woman informed me that the system said the code was invalid. I figured that there was probably some problem with the way she heard me, so I read it again and she read it back to me. Our numbers matched as far as I could tell, but I still wasn’t having any luck.
At this point, the woman asked me to restart the computer, which I did. After restarting the laptop, the process began again though the code hadn’t changed after the reboot (as far as I could tell…it’s hard to remember 54 digits exactly) and we still weren’t having any luck. By this point, I had already wasted well over a half-hour of my time on the phone with Microsoft trying to activate a perfectly legal and legitimate key and I wanted to get some answers. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much time to talk to any other Microsoft employees because the call was disconnected…again…after 21 minutes and 50 seconds.
I don’t think I’m an unreasonable person, but I find this outrageous. I’ve wasted over a half-hour of my time trying in vain to get this copy of Windows XP activated, yet it’s still going to cease working in 30 days. Not only is the waste of time and lack of progress/success unacceptable, but the way I was treated on the phone by Microsoft was atrocious. I’m relatively certain that every single time I was disconnected (three times) it was because of Microsoft…either a poor phone system or rude, uncaring operators. I was also left without any advice on what to do with this situation. I know the key is valid, but that doesn’t do anything if Microsoft doesn’t agree.
I’m left with only two options. The first is to have my neighbor purchase another license for Windows XP Professional. The other is to resort to piracy tools which can easily circumvent WPA. The first option will cost my neighbors $200 (remember, I can’t buy them a cheaper OEM copy since I’m not building the system). The second option is, of course, illegal and will force my neighbors to shun the traditional Windows Update service. There is no good answer, but I certainly don’t feel like telling my neighbors they should give Microsoft another $200 after this experience. What would you do?
Update: I was able to get a key that would finally activate from a kind Microsoft employee who I’d like to thank for his troubles.
Essential Reading…..
–Inside Dell’s Product-Less, Nothing-For-Sale-Here “Stores”
–Rockstar’s New Game “Bully” Coming in October < --nah,nah
–5 Reasons Why the Sony Mylo is Doomed to Failure < --A Must
–Wi-Fi Nabaztag (Rabbit) Reads RSS to You
–Play Super Mario Brothers as Bullet Bill
–Hundreds of FREE tech magazines
Dan Fego says:
This isn’t the first article I’ve read recently about poor Microsoft customer service and support. Anyway, some advice, might be to try some alternatives to Windows? Ubuntu Linux is a great OS for those who have been using Windows their entire lives, and has excellent community support and documentation (and is free).
August 14th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
sometechiedude says:
when you did the reinstall did you format or just reinstall over windows. not formatting before reinstalling windows can cause this issue. also reinstalling windows over and over again with the same key (even on only one computer) can flag your product key and disallow automated and phone activations. this is something the MS activation tech should have realized though…
August 14th, 2006 at 11:42 pm
Andy Green says:
(BTW one’s interest is ‘piqued’) A similar experience convinced me to drop Microsoft altogether, including all their APIs and Dev tools I had been using for years, and move lock stock and barrel to Linux. Please consider to do the same. http://fedora.redhat.com and http://ubuntu.com are good places to download a CD or DVD image.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:02 am
Mike says:
Could it be that the product key has actually ‘leaked’? Maybe your neighbour had a ‘friend’ who needed a number and indeed activated his computer by using your neighbour’s product key.
Another option is surely to try calling MS again, what can you lose, another half an hour? I’m sure you would find some ‘dead time’ to do this.
Might it be your mobile phone, or as you who read this upside-down like to say cellphone ? You mentioned connection being shaky, could it be originating at your end ?
Someone already mentioned to maybe play it safe, so you might suggest the kid tries Linux, Ubuntu is is just to inviting to ignore it. And Windows, again, is anything but secure and just getting worse.
Or simply sell the damn thing and get a kid a nice little Apple iBook (second hand) or even new MacBook and let him/her grow up in a ‘good company’
Good onya, mate! I guess you’ve got some practice with the accent.
Cheers from Australia
August 15th, 2006 at 2:51 am
Snake says:
The problem you are having is that IBM uses the same block of activation numbers for all their laptops. It means that it’s been activated and registered with Microsoft several times, and to get the OS on most of these laptops, they simply take an already activated image file.
One of your more feasible means of protesting this unjust and unwarranted action by Microsoft is to find yourself a Corporate version of XP. The corporate versions don’t require an activation, and the key’s are not checked because they are designed to be installed with the same key on multiple systems in a business. Also you have full access to the updates.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:55 am
Hanz says:
Eh, just install a corporate copy. You’ll have access to all the updates. I’m sure a resourceful lad like youself could track down a copy or two.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:00 am
Simon says:
Your Windows CD also have to match the product key, they’re is Original Key, OEM key, COA key, …. IBM use COA key so you won’t be able to use their key with a OEM cd.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:05 am
Kaeleb says:
Score another one for Microsoft, is anyone really surprised by this? It’s likely that the key has been flagged and the only way to correct this is to spend more valuable time trying to get to tier 2 or tier 3 support.
However, if you don’t want to waste half a day doing that(I wouldn’t)then I would recomend checking out www.NewEgg.com. I just saw a special on their website for Windows XP pro for $135.00.
Good luck.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:07 am
bgarrett says:
The entire problem was caused by your spelling. No self respecting computer is going to agree to operate corectly when you cant speak standard English. Your example —->>>activation hotline has peaked your interest
August 15th, 2006 at 4:13 am
bgarrett says:
try again, using the word, ‘pique’
August 15th, 2006 at 4:14 am
ray saunders says:
“… hotline has peaked your interest …” should read
“… hotline has piqued your interest …”
Learn English!
August 15th, 2006 at 4:16 am
blech says:
While I don’t like Windows much it is required for most games. In my experience laptop manufacturers provide a way to restore the system to factory defaults, usually on a seperate partition on the hard drive. Look for a CD or floppy that came with the system to activate the restoration. If you’ve repartitioned and overwritten that you can probably call the manufacturer and get them to send you a restore CD that will restore both the partition and the system to factory defaults.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:18 am
Tim Smith says:
Contact IBM support, they should be able to get you a copy of the XP image for the notebook, You should have been able to do a f12 on boot and done a OS reload from the image on the recovery partition..That is if that A31’s used the recovery partition
August 15th, 2006 at 4:18 am
David X says:
Call customer service (not the activation number). I overnighted my old copy on Tuesday and a new copy was at my door on Friday.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:22 am
Amanda says:
I’d go up the food chain, supervisors (if possible) Angry emails to support. It almost always works for me when I have a problem that nobody wants to take care of. : ) (Then again, I haven’t had to try that with MS, we have a MSDN subscription at my office.)
I’m thinking like Mike, it may have been “borrowed” and MS is looking at you like you’ve got a pegleg & a parrot on your shoulder so they don’t want to help. *shrugs* I donno! Give’em hell! : )
Best wishes!
August 15th, 2006 at 4:28 am
Some Guy says:
To answer the very last question “What would you do?”
Easy: Install Linux.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:29 am
An interested party says:
3 words: Fedora Core 5
Go to linuxcentral.com, order it for $10, and once it arrives, install it. Setup is way easier than Windows, but it does require you to switch the cd periodically (depending on the packages). I found myself in a similar situation w/ Windows, and decided to try linux for the first time - it’s great.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:31 am
kisa says:
I have run into this on multiple occasions, not the dropped line part, but the activation loop. If you are using the disks that came with the laptop you shouldn’t have a problem but since there are differences in the types of XP pro that are out there, you have to use the same one that corresponds with the license sticker. IE, pro, pro corporate, OEM, as well as sp1 and sp2 and upgrade versions. The copy that you are using has to match.
Side note, never go through the automated activation if you are performing a re-install. Wait through the promts and then hit 0, that bypasses the automated non working system and gets you straight to an operator.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:31 am
Bibbity Bip says:
Buy a Mac. In 22 years of their use (12 different models) I’ve never had a problem with installation of the software. Oh and never had a single virus either.
Or you can continue wasting your life away dealing with stuff like you described, your call.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:31 am
Xeno says:
…And Microsoft wonders why so many people resort to downloading illegal copies of their software. Duh, it’s because they make it more of a pain in the ass if you have a legal copy.
The huge, inflated expense of a legal copy isn’t bad enough, apparently. One wonders how smart they can really be if they cannot understand something that simple. PITA security features = users bypassing them.
Kinda like what’s going to happen with Vista, which has far more intrusive and irritating security features and anti-user protections. People will try it, people will hate it, people will turn it off = no security for Vista computers.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:36 am
Twistergrrl says:
Had nearly same issue.Activation took, but could not update. On the phone for 2.5 hrs getting bounced to 4 different depts. The phone line was awfull, and the accents were very difficult to understand. I was directed to reboot several times, adjust my reg keys, and other fun activitys, they claimed that it was an R&D problem. The next day I got a call back, and probem was magically fixed via the web site. Very frustrating, but in the end wtih sheer blind stubborness, I got what I needed.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:39 am
jim bob says:
Get Ubuntu, forget windoze
August 15th, 2006 at 4:39 am
Colonel Panik says:
Install Linux!
August 15th, 2006 at 4:41 am
brad says:
Or find someone who is a college student at a university. My university sells XP copies for $5.00 each
August 15th, 2006 at 4:43 am
Jenn says:
RUN UBUNTU INSTEAD! If the kid just needs a school computer Ubuntu would be a perfect OS. Free and easy. This coming from a Liberal Arts Major, not some CS nerd.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:43 am
jaxx says:
The answer ‘buy a mac’ or ‘install linux’ aren’t helping this guy! It’s not his computer, and it’s for a kid doig schoolwork, who probably needs windows for a lot of the things he’ll use like MS Office ( i don’t want to hear that he can use openoffice.org, because school computers save most files in the default Ms office format)
So I suppose in my opinion, the answer is piracy. he wont need the updates all that bad, and if MS cant get off their asses to help you, they deserve to have you pirate the software!
August 15th, 2006 at 4:44 am
Aerosquid says:
I would pirate the fuck out of that soft. That is what i would do
August 15th, 2006 at 4:46 am
Arlo says:
And the only reason I’m singing you this song now is cause you may know somebody in a similar situation, or you may be in a similar situation, and if your in a situation like that there’s only one thing you can do and that’s call into the Bill wherever you are, just call in say “Ballmer, You can get anything you want, at Alice’s restaurant.”. And walk out. You know, if one person, just one person does it they may think he’s really sick and they won’t ask him. And if two people, two people do it, in harmony, they may think they’re both faggots and they won’t ask either of them. And three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people calling in singin a bar of Alice’s Restaurant and hanging up. They may think it’s an organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said fifty people a day calling in singin a bar of Alice’s Restaurant and hanging up. And friends they may thinks it’s a movement.
And that’s what it is , the Alice’s Restaurant Anti-WPA Movement, and all you got to do to join is sing it the next time it come’s around on the guitar.
With feeling. So we’ll wait for it to come around on the guitar, here and sing it when it does. Here it comes.
You can get anything you want, at Alice’s Restaurant
You can get anything you want, at Alice’s Restaurant
Walk right in it’s around the back
Just a half a mile from the railroad track
You can get anything you want, at Alice’s Restaurant
That was horrible. If you want to end WPA you got to sing loud. I’ve been singing this song now for twenty five minutes. I could sing it for another twenty five minutes. I’m not proud… or tired.
So we’ll wait till it comes around again, and this time with four part harmony and feeling.
We’re just waitin’ for it to come around is what we’re doing.
All right now.
You can get anything you want, at Alice’s Restaurant
Excepting Alice
You can get anything you want, at Alice’s Restaurant
Walk right in it’s around the back
Just a half a mile from the railroad track
You can get anything you want, at Alice’s Restaurant
Da da da da da da da dum
At Alice’s Restaurant
August 15th, 2006 at 4:47 am
anonymous says:
Only clueless retards offer advice like “install Linux.”
August 15th, 2006 at 4:48 am
brad says:
Typical response from people “Install Linux”. Not as practical for many people.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:50 am
Jonty says:
I’ve had a few activation issues, usually with Terminal Services licences. I’ve spoken to the guys in India a few times, and although there’s a time delay the conversations have never been difficult and the line quality is always fine. I’ve never been disconnected during a call.
I’d start by reinstalling the laptop with the IBM disk or image. If you don’t have any reinstallation media, try to get some from IBM.
Failing this, contact customer support directly and tell them of your experience. Keep a calm and open mind. Your experience before wasn’t the direct result of the corporate entity known as Microsoft (although it contributed to the situation obviously) but was caused by idiot call centre operatives who probably need to tell their supervisors whenever they go to the toilet….
August 15th, 2006 at 4:51 am
jasen says:
FYI, the WPA cracks do not affect Windows update at all. I also own legal OEM product keys that attempt to force me to call MS if I reinstall. I run the WPA cracking utility on my machines instead, because there’s no way I’m calling India again. Bypassing WPA merely makes the system think it’s been activated, Windows update actually checks your key against a black list, so the two are unrelated.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:53 am
Ex-IBM says:
This is not a WPA issue, also installing Linux is both good and bad advice; the person in this article wanted to use the legal and valid Windows XP key that came with the laptop.
But… it’s not a valid key, which is why the Activation process failed.
The CD-Key on that label is ONLY good for the version of Windows XP that game with the laptop either on restore CD’s or buried in a hidden partition, often however even THIS version of Windows will tell you the number is invalid as will Microsoft directly.
The version of Windows on that laptop should be considered a one shot install, that serial number is good only for that installation. If you do manage to get it to use it’s own serial number then congrats… you are in the minority.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:05 am
justjosh says:
only clueless retards offer advice like ‘install linux.’
well I’m here to tell ya sir, I’m not a clueless retard and my advice is INSTALL LINUX. Specifically Kubuntu (it’s prettier than ubuntu- but that’s just me) and then run the Automatix script you can find in the ubuntu forums (or google it). My wife is a terrible computer user, was hooked on windows, last week I got her kubuntu, ran automatix, and now she’s working better on the computer than ever. Not to mention faster, as linux doesn’t have that huge bloat thing that windows does. and just to make sure kubuntu will run on your machine, you can run off of the live cd (without installing) to make sure your drivers all work and whatnot. You think windows customer support is great? yeah, sure. However, you can find damn near anything you need to know about linux online, the software is free, there’s irc chatrooms devoted to linux everywhere, people have been/are incredibly helpful in forums and chats. The only reason you say it’s not ‘practical’ is because you’re afraid of trying something new and taking some time to learn a little. but that’s ok; while you’re paying hundreds of dollars for software, I’m working on free stuff and laughing at you. Oh, and for those folks who say MS Office won’t work with Open Office, you’re wrong. Open office will open .doc’s and also save as .doc’s. Or .rtf’s or .txt. Quit being lazy and investigate a little, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:07 am
Derek Ellington says:
I am an IT consultant and have run into this problem many times… especially when dealing with non-existant media whenattempting a reinstall. Why a Dell key, or an IBM key won’t work on Sony Media is just plain silly. A valid key should be a valid key and respected by any copy of XP pro.
My point is this. Because of Microsoft’s strongarm atactics it is impossible to by a computer from Sony, Ibm, Dell or HP that doesn’t come with Windows. Therefore it stands that EVERY PC from a major manufacturer has a licence somewhere out in the world that is associated with it. MS can sue me, but my philosphy is this. If you have an IBM, DELL, Sony, HP, Compaq etc that is less than 5 years old (with or without the sticker in place) at some point in time, somebody somewhere gave MS their due. Whatever I have to do to get it working, via crack or craft is fair game. the problem is that MS tries to make up for “Piracy” by double billing honest people.
MS is the one pushing the OEMs not to include media. Recovery partitions do no good when the drive crashes. MS also requires companies that sell off-lease systems to remove the OS so that the end user supposedly has to buy another copy.
MS is pushing too far. And I am afraid Vista will be the straw that makes other alternatives viable.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:12 am
Todd Maxey says:
Please e-mail me your address and I will send you a copy of XP Pro at my expense.
If this does not work I will provide a support incident to you at no charge to resolve your issue.
Best regards,
Todd Maxey
Microsoft Corporation
August 15th, 2006 at 5:17 am
Matt Cox says:
Post this story to Fark.com, get loads of comments dissing Microsoft and telling you to install Linux or go the way of a pirate; then send an email to Microsoft, linking them to your post saying “LOOK WHAT YOU’VE CAUSED!”
If they’re PR dept’s better than their Customer Services, they’ll realise this is not good for them and present you with a new OS / computer / refund for phone calls.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:20 am
justjosh says:
See? They’re like drug dealers. “Hey, that’s not working for you? Here, try this, it’s guaranteed to make you feel better….” That way they can keep taking your money and keep you hooked. Seriously, break your addiction. INSTALL KUBUNTU LINUX AND BE FREE!
August 15th, 2006 at 5:21 am
Chris says:
I own a computer store and am a Microsoft System Builder. I have to call and activate windows on machines that have been activated too many times on a daily basis. Although I have experienced some of what the article mentions, I must admit that the vast majority (read 95%) of the activations have gone just fine.
These are the they ask:
Q: What is the first six digits of your installation ID?
A:
Q: Is this the first time you are activating this product?
A: No?
Q: May I know the reason you are activating windows today?
A: Because I changed hardware or the hdd crashed or whatever..
Q: On how many computers other than this one (that’s the trick question) is this windows installed on?
A: Zero
Thank you very much, I now have your 42 digit confirmation number.
Simple as that.. and trust me.. I do this more often than I care to admit.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:22 am
JJG says:
I, like others, have run into this before. Best advice is to try to chat with microsoft support through the ms website. I had much better luck doing this the last time I had to re-install XP. Plus, you have a transcript to refer back to. Or you can forward that transcript to others as required.
It can be done. atience grasshoper.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:23 am
Rob says:
********ACTUAL SOLUTION********
Being a Thinkpad owner, I can tell you that there is a recovery partition on the hard drive. If you boot off of a Windows CD you can see the partition, which should be listed as a system partition, I believe. IBMs include tools that allow you to restore the computer to factory condition using this. If the entire drive has been formatted I would reccomend contacting IBM, even if it’s out of warranty, and asking for imaging CDs if the recovery partition has been removed by a disk formatting, they provided there disks no questions asked when I requested them.
The other option, if you want to go the legal route with Windows, is to purchase an upgrade copy of Windows and boot off of that to perfdorm a full install. I know that the official party line is that you can’t do a full installation with an upgrade copy, but you can and I’ve done it before on numerous occasions. Just boot from the CD and you can do a full installation from there without a previous version of Windows.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:38 am
VInitaBoy says:
I have now read through 39 comments and suggestions about this issue, and I swear to whatever higher power may be that the Stockholm Syndrome is alive and well with all Windows users. Over and over again (in the above) you people speak of re-installing XP, re-reinstalling it, and then re-re-reinstalling it over the reinstallation . . . and all on a schedule so regular as to horrify anyone else with a REAL operating system on his machine. (I won’t even go into your PATCH nightmares.)
When are you people going to realize that between the activation/customer support problems, rampant virus and malware infestations, half-a-decade delay in Vista’s release, and so much more than can be mentioned here that you are stuck with a DOG, folks! How much more pain are you prepared to endure? Dell just recalled 4 million batteries, but how many copies of Windows has Microsoft recalled in the past 20+ years? It SHOULD be all of them!
Oh yeah, opt out of XP for Linux or Ubuntu. Yup, that ought to do it. Whatever is cheap and can be put on a $50 PC your nephew put together in the basement last weekend.
Gawd, but you are all so whipped it is heartbreaking. But, then again, you don’t want a REAL solution to your misery; you just want more company therein. Wallow in it, PeeCee People. Wallow. But I do weep for you. (And have NEVER had to reinstall a current operating system on my machines since 1984. Not once. Care to guess what THAT OS might be? Naw, didn’t think so.)
August 15th, 2006 at 5:46 am
Tim says:
Windows Activation Key: 55 digits long
Mac activation key…..oh wait there isn’t any…you plug the thing in, and it works. Just like in the commercials.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:49 am
phifer says:
VInitaBoy -
Solaris?
August 15th, 2006 at 5:53 am
Josef Prusa says:
Well, I’ve got a two-part advice:
1 - call Microsoft and claim you lost your media. Scan the Windows serial label and send it to them (they might want you to fax it). They should send you fresh media with a fresh serial number for a reasonable price (should be just S&H, AFAIK).
2 - INSTALL LINUX - and I am serious! If you do not need to play games or do not have any essential Win-only programs then Ubuntu (or Kubuntu if you prefer more Windows-like desktop) is all you really need. Every time I boot into XP I find the desktop environment crippled and lacking compared to my KDE. But one has to try it to believe it.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:56 am
Jason S says:
Say what you want about Linux not being a solution but that’s how it works, you aren’t satisfied with what you have - you look for something else. This guy can make a choice now of how to either fix windows or find something else. If it’s just office use stuff Linux will probably do just fine - if he wants to be able to play Armed Assault when it comes out - Linux isn’t going to help.
If I had a new car that was a lemon and I couldn’t fix it, I’d certainly be looking for a new one, and I’d probably be pissed about it enough to not buy the same make/model from the same dealership. The way I’d see it is that those bastards are not getting more of my money, they’ve already screwed me once and I’m not giving them a second opportunity.
At the very least I’d go the corporate or pirate way, I certainly wouldn’t give them more money and time. Perhaps it’s illegal but so is being a predatory monopoly.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:07 am
Jennifer says:
I am a Mac user and I wish you guys luck. It just seems to me that Windows people want to feel more “technical” and “knowlegeable” about computers.
Guys, if you have to become a rocket scientist to keep your systems running and solve problems, you are wasting time and energy. The system sucks - that’s why you have to stay on top of Windows; the changes, the upgrades, the constant security problems, etc.
Computer operating systems should be like Mac or Linux. Turn on the computer and get work done. Not turn on computer, have problems, reboot in safe mode, check error log, reinstall, call support in Bangladesh, write angry emails to MS, do letter in PC Magazine, etc.
Get a Mac or install Linux. Life with a computer can be simple.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:09 am
Coffeegrindah says:
who ever is advising to get a new licence please shadup.
advice you ask, howabout something helpful.
I run into this issual all the time, I own a couple of harddrives and sometimes like to switch them out and install linux.
so I tell em flat out. ” I own this copy, it came with THIS PC, I like to install linux to know what my alternative is.” usually they will be more than happpy to change the activation code for you so long as you’ve moved back to windows.
also helpful for using VMware “I haven’t technically changed the hardware”
I always plan on being blocked when it comes to activation. Then again my Key is a known promo key. meaning when i got the copy of windows free from M$, I was a reseller. you DON’T wanna piss off someone who’s was supposed to DEMO your product that retails for a stupid amount of money.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:09 am
Mike McFadden says:
I would find a small time computer repair/service shop and make it their problem. You might have to trow a few bones their way, but in the long run it’s still worth it to know that your friend won’t immediately come to you whenever something (even if unrelated) is wrong with the Thinkpad. It’s the curse of all tech savvy people.
Either that… or I’d just show the guy how to do it himself. That way you might end up saving yourself some phone minutes. Plus he’ll learn a little bit of how to fix some PC problems in the future. Like the old proverb, “Give a man a PC, and it’ll work for a day. Teach him how to fix it and it’ll work forever (or least a couple months).”
August 15th, 2006 at 6:14 am
Martin says:
The Linux people and Mac people don’t get it - one uses Windows because of compatibility. What if the school work includes software that needs Windows?
My suggestion - Your Windows is legal, Microsoft is unhelpful, pirate the bugger. They got their money - the sticker proves it. It is thus NOT immoral to crack it. Explain it to the owner before you do it though, if he objects, or you cannot provide him support afterwards then don’t crack it. You may have trouble in the future with a cracked Windows.
But using a corporate edition is the best advice there is.
Another thing - is the toll-free number toll-free on cellphones?
Because 22 minutes must be expensive on a national call. Don’t know, but in my country it is not free.
You could try using another English-speaking country’s number. I use to work tech support, so I called a lot, and sometimes got through to Ireland, they were very helpfull and friendly. Also got through to India a few times and also had some line clarity issues.
Oh, and I read the same way as an Aussie and we call them cellphones. Let go of the queen man! The British call them “mobiles”.
Cheers from South Africa.
PS: Aussies can insult me by just typing the word “RUGBY”
August 15th, 2006 at 6:19 am
spder.j says:
Well, since MS cant give you an answer on if its legal or not, assume its faulty software (it is after all a MS product) and just use 3rd party software to fix (read crack) it.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:22 am
Hunch says:
All of this misses the point. The Product key on the Thinkpad is for an OEM version of XP. That is to say that IBM has paid MS for the rights to modify (within certain limits) and then SELL the operating system. If an IBM OEM XP cd was not used for the install, the product key will not match. If the original media was used, it is the OEM’s responsibility to provide the support to reinstall the system, either through a recovery partition or by issuing another OEM product key. Regardless of all of that, if you do contact MS customer service and explain the situation to a tech you will more than likely get a product key anyway.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:33 am
Kelly says:
I don’t believe purchasing a Mac for your friends son is a solution though all you Mac users do like to piss away cash (just look at the hardware costs for any Mac) talk about getting ripped off!! Windows is a pita but so is the price of gas and housing, so how many of you wise asses are living in alternative housing or driving hybrids. are you getting my point yet? holier than thou attitudes don’t fix his issue. Load some flavor of Linux, better yet have his son do it, computer systems are what you make them and if it’s for his son for school what better way for him to L E A R N! just a thought.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:35 am
Nacho says:
I went through this when I switched my hard drive between two computers (it was the exact same harddrive, with the same data, it just sat in a different computer)- it is extremely frustrating and a head ache but what can you do?
Microsoft owns our mortal souls. Be at peace with it.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:40 am
Rootman says:
I hope this wasn’t already suggested, after reading the first dozen responses my eyes kinda glazed over.
The next time you re-setup YOUR PC invest in a product like Symantec Ghost - or one of many other free to low cost options. Get the OS activated and updated then take an image of it, save the image to CD’s (or DVD’s). The next time you have to reinstall due to bit rot simply reimage the disk with this image - you will be already activated and quite a bit farther along than a fresh install.
Signed,
The Voice of Experience
August 15th, 2006 at 6:47 am
AJ says:
Dude… I agree with the other people who recommend getting a corporate copy. Screw Microsoft. They’ve made enough money on XP and this one user won’t kill ‘em. You will definitely be able to download all updates just like any legitimate copy of XP.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:48 am
Just Some Guy says:
My advice: PIRATE IT. I say this as the former president of a successful software company that had to fight piracy all the time.
Registration schemes are designed to thwart pirates, and they inconvience honest users in the process. The software company is ethically bound to keep this inconvenience to a minimum, and to work really hard to satisfy honest users as quickly and painlessly as possible. Microsoft has failed completely in this regard, so you are ethically clean in just doing an end-run.
I wouldn’t advocate actually stealing the software, but getting around the registration scheme with a legitimate copy is the right thing to do in your case.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:49 am
Stain says:
I just wanted to respond to the people who are pushing Linux.
Linux/Unix is great. I run a FreeBSD server as part of my network at home and it’s an awesome OS which can do a lot.
However, Linux is not a valid alternative or replacement for XP, and here’s why:
Oblivion
Brothers In Arms
Call of Duty
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
World of Warcraft
need I go on?
Yeah, I know, I know “There’s Quake3 and UT2004 for Linux.” Big deal. I didn’t say anything about Quake3 and UT2004 did I? 
August 15th, 2006 at 6:55 am
kevo says:
I’ve been a Windows and Linux user– I switched to a Mac a couple of years ago an am quite pleased. Rebuilding a box is easy, there is zero activation, and the migration wizard (which will copy settings, applications, and users from a previous machine or hard drive backup) works. It works! Make a backup, re-install the OS, and tell it to migrate and you are done. Afterwards you won’t even have to search the web for “driver x” or a decent mail client or photo editor.
I don’t do windows support for my relatives or friends anymore. I tell them to buy a Mac. At $500 you are only $300 over the cost of replacement XP and… you’ll never have to deal with this crap ever again! *That* is priceless.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:56 am
Drew says:
I have a pirated version of XP Professional Service Pack 2, and I get windows updates just fine.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:57 am
xxxxxxx says:
Another vote for Linux. I know three people this has happened to, and all are using Linux now (Fedora Core). They all had legitimate copies of Windows, all on Dell computers. They needed reactivation after hardware changes and multiple re-installs, and got tired or trying to deal with Microsoft. Seriously, it’s not worth the aggravation.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:02 am
justjosh says:
Oblivion
Brothers In Arms
Call of Duty
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
World of Warcraft
ever hear of cedega? all those run on my linux box.
kevo-
how much is photoshop again? oh yeah, gimp’s free.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:03 am
Leonard says:
It’s sad when a companies anti-piracy system makes legitimate customers pirate software because it’s just to damn difficult to activate the legal license they already own.
For the grammer nazis: Thank you for reminding the rest of us that you are an asshat.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:33 am
Duke says:
well, I read through all the comments, and haven’t really seen the solution yet, so I thought I’d offer it up.
You have to use the original install disc that came with the laptop in order to install and activate windows. The Bios is harcoded to only accept that disc, because it contains additional software and drivers that a standard windows disc does not. You can’t just go out and buy another copy of windows, you can’t use a spare windows disc you have laying around, you HAVE to use the original windows install disc that came with the laptop. I’ve dealt with it about 30 times with various brands, your only solution if you’ve lost the original disc is to call up the laptop creator and try to order a new copy. I’ve had some success and failures at this, sometimes I get the disc for free, some times I have to shell out a couple hundred dollars.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:36 am
JST says:
use bittorrent.
DL a corporate version.
install.
enjoy.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:45 am
cyber_rigger says:
Companies selling preinstalled Linux Desktops and Laptops.
http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/23168/
August 15th, 2006 at 8:00 am
Andy says:
One more vote for Linux. I switched to Kubuntu (first time Linux user) about 6 weeks ago. I used OpenOffice at work (it deals with spreadsheets much faster) and had NO issues with sharing docs with Office users. Unless you game (and cedega works ok with Nvidia card not so well with Ati) or have some funky app that wont work in Wine there is no real reason not to switch. I’m in College right now and have no issues.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:01 am
jasen says:
Duke, that is not the solution. I own 3 Thinkpads. None of them require a “special” windows CD to boot from, or install.
I can use a Compaq or Dell OEM CD and use my IBM product key on them and it takes them just fine.
The problem here is NOT Windows accepting the product key. It does (if not you would not even be able to finish installing!). From what I’ve been able to see, any OEM product key from any manufacturer will work on any other OEM install. Then you have corporate version keys, and retail version keys, each working only on corporate or retail install media.
The failure occurs long after Windows accepts the key, when you go to activate. The MS online activation service pretty much requires most all OEM keys to call to activate now. Even if you use the “restore” disk that came with your IBM. Even if you use a Dell key on your IBM OEM install CD. The disconnect here is not the key being used, it’s the fact that it is an OEM version. Most (not all) OEM installs are going to require you call them, even on first use. I have computers here that just got a fresh XP install, with a brand new, never used product key, and over half the time it will tell me to call to activate.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:07 am
Brian Foster says:
All you need to do is go to the activation window, choose change product ID (even though it tells you not to.
When calling, say “Customer Service” or “Operator”.
Also, I have noticed issues like this when installing Windows from the “Windows XP” cd that came with the laptop, rather than the “System Restore” disks that also came with the laptop.
Either way, changing the product ID should alow for the activation.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:10 am
Brian Foster says:
All you need to do is go to the activation window, choose change product ID (even though it tells you not to.
When calling, say “Customer Service” or “Operator”.
Also, I have noticed issues like this when installing Windows from the “Windows XP” cd that came with the laptop, rather than the “System Restore” disks that also came with the laptop.
Either way, changing the product ID should alow for the activation.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:11 am
Brian Foster says:
All you need to do is go to the activation window, choose change product ID (even though it tells you not to.
When calling, say “Customer Service” or “Operator”.
Also, I have noticed issues like this when installing Windows from the “Windows XP” cd that came with the laptop, rather than the “System Restore” disks that also came with the laptop.
Either way, changing the product ID should alow for the activation.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:12 am
Brian Foster says:
All you need to do is go to the activation window, choose change product ID (even though it tells you not to.
When calling, say “Customer Service” or “Operator”.
Also, I have noticed issues like this when installing Windows from the “Windows XP” cd that came with the laptop, rather than the “System Restore” disks that also came with the laptop.
Either way, changing the product ID should alow for the activation.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:13 am
Pooter says:
You guys going off about installing Linux - this isn’t an option for newbie’s that are used to Windows 9x/XP/2k. Linux just isn’t an option for some users.
Yes, ubuntu and all the other flavors of Linux are great (I run SUSE 10 Enterprise) but I’ve also been in the IT industry for over 10 years.
It is true what “Mike” said in the comment where IBM uses a block of keys. They just take an image and burn it on their drives to cut down on time it takes to kick the new unit out the door to the stores. Your best bet is really - have your neighbor give IBM a buzz. Knowing them, they’ll probly want some green stamps before they’ll talk to him. Sounds wrong and bad but its true. The unit is out of warranty and out of the support life time period. So they could probly care less if windows never gets activated on that machine again.
I just picked up Windows MCE 2005 OEM complete and brand new from www.pricewatch.com for approx. $114 USD. Windows XP Pro isn’t that expensive anymore. You just have to do some digging.
www.pricewatch.com and www.newegg.com also www.cdw.com are all that I deal with.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:16 am
Scott says:
I would use another key or tools to bypass WPA and here’s why. As long as you have the seal of authenticity (or sticker from MS on the laptop) then you have a license. That license is what makes your copy valid so long as you don’t have a different version of Windows XP than the sticker asks for (Home vs Pro or Pro Corporate Edition, etc). Technically you are breaking the EULA by using tools to bypass WPA but I say tough - MS wants to make the process a pain and it actually costs them money to staff people in call centers for activation.
All of the manufactures use an image of the OS and will use a different key that requires no activation then what has been stuck to your PC. This is why holding onto to those re-install disks or using the hidden hard drive partitions to re-install will require no activation. The key doesn’t matter as long as you can show a license for the version that is installed.
For those elitests that are advising to switch to A Linux distro, I think that is poor advice. It’s like asking someone that hates rush hour traffic to take up flying a plane or ride a bike. Windows has the largest assortment of software and drivers and greatest amount of compatibility out there. It is also much easier for people to stick with what you know instead of learning a whole new system. I would try out the others but not as your primary system until you are comfortable with it. Most Linux and even Mac users I know still have a system that runs Windows on it for games or the large assortment of programs that aren’t available on anything but Windows. You may not like MS for one reason or another but switching to something else at this poitn just means trading one headache for another. I think activation is a bad idea and poorly implimented, it just alienates the legit users and is only a minor obsticle to the real pirates.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:17 am
Chris Curran says:
Let your neighbor deal with it. You have done all the hard work, the administrative stuff can be done by your neighbor (with your guidence).
Draw the line on helping people or you will be sucked into every little detail that is not your concern. The reinstalling was the best choice; its not your fault that windows won’t activate.
By the way, the linux and Mac suggestions in this thread are nearly useless. Both great systems, better systems BUT you have a working laptop which is 98% there. Why go buy all new hardware, new OS and all new software? Pfft! useless.
Let your neighbors son hang on the phone for an hour or two. He is the beneficiary! Put him to work!!
August 15th, 2006 at 8:27 am
will1384 says:
just crack it - microsoft is so lame
I ownn legal copies of Windows XP Pro and Home, but you
know what, none have ever been activated and none ever
will be
And this will be the last version of windows I will
ever use
August 15th, 2006 at 8:27 am
Blikum says:
Actually, “get a Mac” is great advice. There’s a reason Macs are huge in the educational community. Trust me. I have to use both. Macs are far superior in pretty much every way. It’s just that most people have a pre-formed opinion on what they think about Macs and they buy Windows-based machines.
a. Everything a kid needs for school is available on a Mac and actually quite better and easier. Office is great on a Mac. Educational software is great on a Mac.
b. NO VIRUSES. Ever.
c. Maintenance and tech support needs are about tenfold LESS on a Mac.
d. No silly activation. No silly drivers, configs, yadda yadda yadda. They just work.
Good luck…
August 15th, 2006 at 8:35 am
Paul Rako says:
The mac and Linux (really the same crowd after OX10) don’t admit the serious limitations of the X-window graphics system. Yeah, it will send a desktop over the net to Singapore but it can not display graphics for CAD and games. That is the hell of Microsoft– Bill Gates learned this after Windows 1.0 and proceeded to allow writing to the video hardware, with all the crashes that creates. But it is far more efficient than the Linux way. This guy needs to keep the kid in the mainstream for now. Sure Windows is a pathetic hobbyist operating system– reboot for settings to take effect and a complete 1 minute freeze just because I put a funky disk in the CD drawer. Incompetent at the core– a processor that would gladly support a multitasking multi-threading OS has to have a frozen desktop until the CD times out. Boot times for both Linux and Windows are scandalous. 4.3 BILLION instructions per second and it takes minutes to turn the dang thing on? Pathetic.
I suggest we stop trying to get support from the support department and deal directly with the legal consul of Microsoft and always in writing. Then after a few months we will have the evidence to charge them with criminal negligence and fraud. For now just take the Microsoft guy up on his offer for a free disk and thank Fark this got the exposure to force Microsoft to do it.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:35 am
Critch says:
I love the multiple comments about ‘install linux!’
It’s not his computer, it’s his neighbors.
Most people don’t have the time, patience, or computer know-how to run Linux. It’s a great OS as long as you want to be a tech geek and not, you know, 99% of the public. Can’t run most programs, can’t run most games, and good luck with any type of support. Hope you’ve got your programming degree.
Install Windows. Do it for free, whatever.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:39 am
steve says:
I’d laugh because I own nothing but macintoshes, and those things are solid.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:45 am
Peter Griffin says:
Drink till you don’t feel feelings anymore!
August 15th, 2006 at 8:49 am
Kelly says:
This is for his neighbors kid for school…… greet the new world with open arms and welcome our NEW overlords!!! Linuxsoft …heh
August 15th, 2006 at 8:59 am
Andy says:
Linux is like the Metric system; Too hard for people in the U.S. to understand.
Just a joke.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:02 am
Barak says:
Of the two options you listed, both are going to allow MS to continue its (described in your post) horrible practices. The only way to convince them to fix the problem is to not use their product until the service level is acceptable. Buying another copy of XP is *exactly* what they’d like you to do (poor service drives sales!). Installing a pirate version isn’t the best option in MS’s view, but it does maintain their dominance of the desktop - you’ll go looking for Windows software, which MS makes money from in a very round-about fashion (you’re supporting developers who bought a Windows OS).
Now is the time to install Linux. The only thing it won’t do is play games well for free; with TransMeta (www.transmeta.com) it does alright but you pay a subscription fee. Ubuntu is a great distro; check it out. OpenOffice can fill most of your ‘paperless office’ needs.
In short, don’t give them money unless you’re forced to. You do have options.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:04 am
Karl says:
Test the RAM. If it’s bad it could cause an invalid ID to be generated from the product key. If there’s nothing important on the drive, format it to really start from scratch.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:10 am
jh says:
It amuses me how people think that installing linux would be harder than this.
Really? This guy can’t seem to get ANYTHING to work. After 30 days, Microsoft will turn the computer off for good.
Linux may have some issues for some people, but I promise you that Ubuntu won’t ever call into your computer and shut it down. Ubuntu won’t make you call them and recite an installation key.
I mean, seriously. Look at what you are advising this man to do. A number of people here are advising him to outright steal a product. Commit a crime. A number of you are advising him to purchase the product again. Give more money to the system that screwed him over the first time.
Both of these “solutions” should be dismissed as unacceptable ON THEIR FACE. He should not have to commit larceny (under US laws) and he should not have to purchase another copy of something that was legally obtained with the purchase of the laptop.
The RIGHT solution is that Microsoft should let him use the software that he is licensed to use. It bothers me that everyone seems perfectly content with viewing this as a solution solvable only by committing a crime or giving Microsoft more money. Why ISN’T installing linux a viable solution here?
I promise you, the hassle will definatly be no greater than the bs he’s currently going through.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:15 am
cyber_rigger says:
Hey post #78
Look at this (whenever this server frees up)
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/2915/linux_xglcompiz_graphics
August 15th, 2006 at 9:35 am
lopht says:
OK, break out the scrit kiddies, it’s WPA bustin time! Google a tool called “Reset 5.0″ and all your worries are over.
Boot into safe mode, run the application, and usually 7 out of 10 times it works effectively and kills the WPA system.
However- there is evidence of the not-so-perfect job it does in the Event Viewer, and sometimes it doesn’t work at all, generaly resulting in having to reinstall the OS. But if it is successful on the first restart, you’re home free.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:36 am
grant says:
amazing 86 comments and not one of them mentions commeent #36.
personally I’d take HIM up on his offer and be done with it!!!!
August 15th, 2006 at 9:48 am
Allahm0de says:
Just get a Mac. I have never heard of anyone having to “activate” MacOS. Besides, they run the Intel chip, so you can still have Windows if you need it. Just stick with a version of Windows that you don’t have to activate, like maybe Win2K Pro, which runs just as well as XP, if not better, since it doesn’t require nearly as much in the way of system resources to run it.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:53 am
Havokmon says:
FYI - Microsoft’s Activation servers were down a couple weeks ago. I work for a small company, we buy OEM licenses. I have a ghost image I use to dump the system, and then change the key and activate it. I thought something got hosed up with my image, and I spent a good couple hours redumping, reinstalling and retrying to activate multiple licenses only to ALWAYS get the ‘Unable to activate’ error. I came back in on Tuesday and everything worked just fine…. Piece of Shit.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:53 am
james says:
www.ubuntu.com
August 15th, 2006 at 9:54 am
Kelly says:
Maybe because he did not leave an e-mail address, was my guess.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:55 am
jh says:
Telling him to “just get a mac”, #90, will NOT solve this problem.
He doesn’t WANT a mac. He wants that he owns to work.
This should not be a situation where he has to spend money.
August 15th, 2006 at 10:00 am
Michael McCallister says:
I concur with the more learned people when they write about your installation media being incorrect. Either use the partition provided my IBM or the re-installation CD.
Now to the “other” OS people
Really? all I have to do is install linux and my troubles are over?? Or spend thousands on a Mac and all my problems go bye-bye? I find this advice stupid beyound belief.
I implore you to please ignore those tardo’s
Disreagarding the panacea of “Changing Operating systems” and from personal experience, Most CAD and 3D modeling software do not run on those operating systems. Certainly not the $60,000 dollars worth of architectural software I have and use on a daily basis.
An old phrase comes to mind that is “better the devil you know than the one you don’t”
So, do a correct media O.S. install.
Top it off with a fresh setup of M$ Office and come back and finish your Kool-Aid.
August 15th, 2006 at 10:14 am
jh says:
Oh, that’s fresh. We’re Tardos because we don’t want to deal with WPA.
The Tardo is the person who bashes their head against the wall for thirty minutes trying to get software that is legally owned to run because he is compliant with letting the company that made it treat him like a criminal.
This is a school computer. It could easily manage with linux. It’s not going to run $60,000 architecture software, it’s going to run a webbrowser, chat client, and office software.
A _Tardo_, as you call us.. runs freaking high end architecture software from a LAPTOP.
Get over yourself and your kool-aid. Ubuntu was a suggestion.
(I agree with you on the mac thing, tho. The purpose should be to get THIS laptop working, not go out to buy another.)
August 15th, 2006 at 10:20 am
John Mullins says:
Ok, I know there are 94 comments, but I have to put in my 2 bits because I just ran into this problem yesterday. I was reinstalling windows XP pro on an HP Laptop. No reinstallation cd’s came with the computer. I am an oem distributor and run into this all the time. I ran into the problem twice. First time disconnected me and hung up, second time the connection I had to india was pretty bad on my cell phone. I called a third time, and yes, hit “0″ right away to talk to a human. It doesnt matter what version of windows you have or what computer it was made for. That installation ID that it spits out is for that computer. You read it to them, they WILL give you a working response code. No matter what you say, they say “thank you for that information” and then give you a response code. Sometimes if you catch them early in their speech and explain it to them, you will only have to read them the first 6 digits, and then they will just give you the code to type in. The activation process, while a hassle at times, it more of a deterrent to scare pirates who they know probably wont call microsoft with their problems.
At times, however, I have called them for activation after being told the key they had was legit. They authorized it and cleared the block on the key. Later I found out it was in fact pirated.
I do this a few times a week, and every once in a while bad things happen, but just explain what happened and they will just give you a new code. It’s their policy
August 15th, 2006 at 10:23 am
Gary says:
Next time do the activation over the phone and give the 54 digit code after they give you the Blah, blah over the phone. Wait about 20-30 minutes and do it again but this time use the internet connection and put in the same code you gave over the phone, it should register. I’ve done this numerous times it seems that MS puts a code into its database when you call and it gets deleted after 24hrs and when you go back in over the internet after calling in the code it takes it as a valid code and allows the machine to register!
August 15th, 2006 at 10:31 am
Bastard says:
I would set his computer on fire and then tell the guy his battery blew up. Mission Accomplished.
August 15th, 2006 at 10:39 am
I am smart and you are dum says:
Haha looser, its a good thing I am better than you becuz I can spel. I prolly get more chix too. I am only won spellign correction from being the most 3l33t on the internets….I almost choked in my own elitism when I saw you said peaked instead of piqued….peaked…hahah…that doesnt even make any cents.
Its a good thing that I and my fellow human spell checkers are better than you. Come on boys–its time to assemble and rule the world! Who can argue with us? we will just correct their spellign….
August 15th, 2006 at 10:49 am
bob says:
I’m a consultant who gets to install windows on a weekly basis. This exact thing has happened to me DOZENS OF TIMES.
Last time it was a brand new Dell, wouldn’t accept the activation.
First call, no answer. Second call, abrupt hangup after I entered the numbers. Third call, answered, but then told “this isn’t a good time - call back in 2 hours.” Fourth call, prerecorded message saying there was training happening right now, not a good time, call back later. 5th call, got the silence but could hear rustling around and somebody laughing. 6th call got a nice indian girl who I couldn’t understand but we got through it all. Total time billed to clients - 2 hours to activate windows on a brand new machine. I would like to bill Dell and Microsoft for the time.
August 15th, 2006 at 10:58 am
Marcus says:
A way around this in future is to preserve the original activation key. It’s a file called wpa.dbl and it’s in the system32 folder. Copy it to a floppy or key and after the reinstall copy it back while in safe mode.
August 15th, 2006 at 11:03 am
mdoneil says:
You could ignore these morons who suggest Linux, Macs and the like and listen to what the guy from Microsoft suggested. Mail Todd Maxey and he will take care of it.
You know if you people have any mutual fund investments you probably are MSFT shareholders indirectly. So get off your high horse and STFU.
The guy wanted to reinstall a MSFT OS, not get advice on which was the better choice should he move to a different OS, or purchase a different computer brand.
Yes Linux is better, yes Macs are better whatever you people want to believe, but MSFT has more applications that are supported so if you want to install an app and have it supported by whomever wrote it and have it perform reasonably well without having to jump through hoops then MSFT is what you need. I hold you people in such great contempt.
August 15th, 2006 at 11:11 am
Marc says:
Install any Linux distribution he wants.
August 15th, 2006 at 11:20 am
John says:
Well Im not surprised you got that kind of service…..who is ready to take a call at 1Am In the morning? Fool!
August 15th, 2006 at 11:26 am
atrophic says:
I went through a similar hassle last week. I was trying to reinstall Windows XP Pro on my laptop, but the product key would not take. After 3 hours of troubleshooting I decided to forget XP. I installed Windows 2000 for the specific purposes I needed a Windows OS for (Developing in VB.Net) and then installed Ubuntu Linux on it as well, for day to day use. Microsoft seems to want me to jump through hoops to use software I have the legal authority to use. It would have taken far less time to find and use a pirated version of XP. I took the legal route though and installed Windows 2000 (which had a slew of drivers not found, including all the networking interfaces, so that took another couple hours to finish setting up). Ubuntu Linux on the same machine took less than half an hour from start to finish, all hardware recognized and all drivers installed.
August 15th, 2006 at 11:28 am
Marcus says:
I unpack and set up about 10 PCs a month - mostly Dells - and not once have I ever been asked to activate Windows as part of the initial setup. I always connect the PC to an Internet connection before I start and hit the ‘Register with Microsoft’ button, which may have something to do with it.
August 15th, 2006 at 11:29 am
Kevin says:
When calling MS you can skip straight to talk to someone if you hit zero when it asks you “are you calling to activate windows xp?” I do this on a daily basis and ive never run into a problem like this. although sometimes if i am on hold for more than 5 mins i will hang up and call 30 mins later.
August 15th, 2006 at 11:31 am
Mark says:
Are you using the orignal cd that came with the laptop. If you are using a different version of Windows even one with SP1 it may not work. If you are using the original media then contact IBM they will be able issue you a replacement key.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:19 pm
Ervin says:
Call IBM and ask for a set of restore/repair disks. These will reset the computer to the factory image and won’t require activation.
As somebody said above: you cannot use OEM installation disks with ThinkPads.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
eric says:
easiest way is just to use the valid key you have, do “customize install of updates” or whatever it’s called on every update. then uncheck the WGA update if it appears, and viola! problem solved.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Anonimous says:
Linux
August 15th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Buzzkiller says:
There are viruses for MAC, there is spyware for MAC.
There are viruses for Linux
August 15th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Jill says:
Ubuntu Linux would be the best bet, in my opinion. It’s been said already but warrants support. Great distrobution for beginner and up.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Guy says:
Listen idiots, these people don’t want your failure of an OS. Linux is a losing proposition at best, so keep your zealotry to yourself. Me & many other people have had countless frustrating and stupid issues with the pieces of crap linux distros are. Want the benefits of a Unix variant without wasting your life? Buy a Mac.
As for the problem at hand, are you using the actual Windows CD that came with the key? Different versions have different key setups. Also, calling IBM would be the best option. They’re responsible for this.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Pablo says:
Circumvent the WPA and then you can get all your windows updates from http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/
August 15th, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Anone Emauss says:
Take him up on his offer in post 36. What sucks is that I bet if I, average Joe, complained about the same thing - I would have been told to pound sand. Yet post it up on blog site, get enough comments and what do you see - A Microsoft Knight in Tarnished Armor, offering to help you. How generous. Hey Todd - would average mortals have the same level of treatment? I don’t think so.
I had same exact problem few weeks ago, trying to activate Windows Server 2003 - same situation! Hung up on 2x by very polite Indian tech support rep. Then had to hold another 15 minutes before I was connected - until I finally got it activated.
MS has been horrendous with their activation schema. If you activate the same license key more than 2x (correct me if I’m wrong) - you have to call for each subsequent activation. Rediculous, considering that same key may need to be re-activated from a simple act of swapping out a hard drive. I’ve seen systems that had to be re-activated after HD failed and had to be replaced.
The fact that they have people who barely understand numbers, let alone speak English, providing support and sucking at it - just add to overall incentive for piracy.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
rj says:
If Ubuntu’s too difficult to use, why in the heck would the guy want to install Windows XP.
Let’s see the prerequisites for using Windows:
1. Install/maintain antivirus software.
2. Install/maintain anti-spyware.
3. Know what a registry is, how to back it up, and how to make changes.
4. Know how to defragment a hard drive.
5. Know what to do if the system becomes really slow, as it will in a year.
6. Know how to manage software, installing different software, knowing where to download it, and making sure it doesn’t cause any conflicts.
7. Know what the path is and how to edit it.
This is the bare minimum. Anyone that does not know these things should not get anywhere near Windows.
For Ubuntu, the prequisite is:
1. Know how to push the little orange button to install updates.
2. Know how to check a box in Synaptic to install a software package.
People using Windows are really clueless. Security is complicated stuff, as is software management, so don’t post these dumb messages.
August 15th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Linux Head says:
Install Linux! easy problem solved
August 15th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
Sarah says:
Just get an activation crack. It works for me everytime…
August 15th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Sriram Krishnan [MSFT] says:
— MICROSOFT EMPLOYEE HERE —-
Sorry for the annoying header - I wanted to put it up there to draw attention to this comment. I’m a Microsoft employee - and not the first one to respond on this thread.
David - Please see Todd Maxey’s comment above. I mailed him and he’s serious about his offer. You already have his email id.
I’m sorry that you’ve had a nasty experience - please work with Todd so that we can figure out what went wrong. To (mis)-quote Tom Cruise “Help us help you”
To prove that I’m authentic, I’m going to leave my email id out here. Please be gentle
sriramk [at] microsoft.com
- Sriram Krishnan
http://www.sriramkrishnan.com/blog
August 15th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Linux Head says:
yeah yeah… forget about windows.. INSTALL LINUX, LINUX!!!!!!! you don’t need OFFICE you have openoffice (which is supercompatible specially with office 2003 version) and also you can use lynx which is a supercool browser!!!! awesome! and Konkeror, which renders all the websites just fine.. no problems at all!
so there you go.. here is the good advice.. dump windoze install linux!
August 15th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Nobody Knows says:
Geez. It’s not like this is complicated.
If you own the damn license, then you own it. Period.
Go to http://astalavista.box.sk and search for “Microsoft XP keygen”.
I recommend using firefox, due to the crazy popups and what not.
You want the keygen by “The Blue List”. They made a keygen that generates keys that can be validated by Windows Update.
August 15th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
fraew says:
well i’ve activated XP dozens of times using the phone service, dealt with many different helpdesk people, occasionally i’ll get a bad phone line, but i’ve never had any problems activating XP - the indian call center people are usually very clear and take their time….
August 15th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
John says:
Did you install sp2 before you tried to activate the key? Did you slip stream sp2 into the cd that you are using? If so install original copy of M$ with NO sp2 until you activate then do all your updates! If that fails install Ubuntu
it just works!
To mess up a Linux box, you need to work at it; to mess up your Windows box, you just need to work on it.
John B. Graves
August 15th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
someone says:
If the computer is just for personal school use I would switch to Linux but if that is not an option then I would start talking to Better Business Bureau (http://bbb.org/) and/or your State representative.
August 15th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
Scott says:
You didn’t mention this in the article - are you sure the Windows CD (the physical CD) you used to install was the same one that came with the ThinkPad originally? Or did you just grab a copy of XP you had laying around to install?
You CANNOT use your Windows CD to install Windows, and activate it with your neighbors key. OEM keys cannot be used to unlock retail Windows, and vice-versa. For OEM systems, the CD, the computer and the key are tied and you cannot have one without the other 2 matching.
I also think the Windows licensing system is a pain. But… I have to say that the way you described your own use (reinstalling Windows every few months or sometimes several times a week) is suspicious and I wouldn’t be surprised if your key was blocked one of these days…
August 15th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Keith says:
Although I would really like to advise you to give up Windows and switch to Linux, as an alternative choice, I would not really recommend that.
Towards your experience with these operators, there is no way of surrendering yourself by just going and purchase another Windows product, or resort to illegal means.
I would certainly advise you to pursue the matter further, and that the product key is genuine, and attempt to raise any further to any other legal departments from Microsoft, that if the product keys do not work, it’s their fault, or threaten to sue them.
August 15th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
Mags says:
I share your Pain. Microsoft’s customer support really sucks. Its also likely that someone already (mis)used the key…but still they should have addressed the issue in a much better fashion. I went through similar pains - finally gave up and moved over to a Macintosh and got my life back!
August 15th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
Brandon Werner says:
I had this EXACT same problem. If I were you I would (and did) tell microsoft to shove it and resort to piracy tools. After already paying for the damn copy of Windows XP, I will be damned if I am gonna pay another 200 again.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
jfrank says:
1st my recommendation. Call MS back and be very assertive and TELL them what you want and expect and don’t back down until you get what you want; and you will get what you want. I have had a similar problem. I called 3 times for my last activation, someone hung up on me 2 times after the familiar shuffling and the 3rd time was someone with a VERY thick indian accent that I could barely understand. She gave me my activation code that didn’t work and she more or less said oh well… I explained that I had a legit copy of windows xp and that she needs to fix the problem now or find someone else who can. I did not take no for an answer and sure enough, the problem was solved.
That being said: I am so tired of the mac cult people saying there are not problems with macs. Just not true. certain laptops have caught fire, A number of the basic components are non-standard increasing cost for replacement, there isn’t alot of software for macs, software is expensive, macs themselves are expensive, compatible periphs are expensive and few. Don’t tell me this isn’t true because I have a number of friends with macs who have experienced these problems (yes I witnessed these things first hand).
Since the windows OS used by the vast majority of the business and personal world, replacing the OS with a non-mainstream OS such as linux is probably just not suitable for most peoples needs. Sorry to say but true.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
Joe Blow says:
I definatly think you should circumvent and be done with it. M$ need to sort this mess out, either they fix thier os so u dont need to re-install or they allow unlimited activations on the same hardware.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
r_a_trip says:
I would suggest you jump through every hoop MS deems necessary to let you install a product, which wouldn’t give you any hassle in a perfect world. No suggestions of Macs or GNU/Linux here.
Those who willingly suffer the burdon that MS software brings with it, should not complain. Don’t post on your blog on how you wasted 30 minutes on a phone. You already wasted years on using MS products. A little more time won’t kill you.
If you are really serious about getting Windows running on that laptop during this century, just get your neighbor to shell out full retail price and get a non-machine restricted Windows XP copy.
It is you who choose to accept the substandard deal that is using MS wares. I don’t feel any empathy. You are free to leave it, yet you keep running back in the burning barn.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
Bobbo says:
Use F8
You can forever bypass the registration demand and operate XP just fine. When you get the “XP blah blah requires registration” screen, reboot with F8. Choose the option that says something to the effect of “boot with last known settings that worked” and it will boot just fine. I’ve been booting that way for over a year once it wouldn’t let me update online.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
Liam McDermott says:
Why put up with this? Why bother?
Some time ago I changed to Linux, Microsoft technologies were doing horrible things to my blood pressure. I would advise you do the same.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:43 pm
reinkefj says:
u b u n t u (ditto #1)
August 15th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
//3!1 says:
I deal witht his daily. All I do is read the numbers to the computer, and once the real person answers I tell them I am at a computer shop formatting, and this code is only in use on one machine. No other questions asked, they give me a shitload of numbers and I am on my way.
August 15th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
CollegeSean says:
If the laptop is for a college student, then you can be sure that the school will have many, many people running linux including the computer labs. The only reason college computer labs have windows installed is because for those who are unwilling to use linux, which in my opinion, are too stupid to figure out how to use a computer.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Chris Boulton says:
You fail to mention here that you told those on the phone that you had just formatted the machine.
The same activation code can only be used a number of times before it is effectively blacklisted (yes, even on the same machine).
You should have told them it was an OEM sticker and you’d just formatted the machine. They’ll give you a new confirmation ID which works.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
Ricardo Augusto says:
Hello!
After reading all the posts, I can give you a explanation about the problem with the CD key on the OEM sticker. This problem is common with *all* CD keys written in OEM stickers on big brand’s computers.
What happens is this: when the big brands factory install a Windows XP, they don’t use a OEM CD key, they use a Volume License key (what most people call a Corporate key), that doesn’t require activation. Since they ship hundreds of thousands of computers, it’s a lot easier than activating, and they probably use the *exact same* V.L. key on most models. But in terms of licensing, the big brands still have to license a ‘valid’ unique OEM CD key on a sticker, attached to every computer. I say ‘valid’, because they are not really valid for activation. Why?? Because Microsoft decided to block these CD keys, since a lot of people were using these CD keys to activate a unlicensed copy of Windows XP on one other computer. That’s why you can’t activate these CD keys through the Internet!!!
Now, the problem is, when the computer was bought, it came with a valid license to use Windows XP. So the owner has the right to install Windows XP. In the OEM license, it states that the manufacturer that bundles the OEM license with the hardware has to provide a restore CD, or any other mean, to the customer, so that Windows XP can be re-installed. Usually a couple CDs, one with the restore application, and another that its just a valid OEM Windows CD. But sometimes they get lost, as it happened to your neighbor. So you try to activate the CD key on the sticker. And it doesn’t work.
So, you grab the phone and call the activation center. I had to go through the same process you did a couple times, talking with a assistant, due to people losing the original restore CDs. So, I called through the phone, and explained that I installed Windows XP on the same computer that has the sticker with the CD key, and I need to activate it. “No, I don’t have the restore CD, I lost it, so I need to activate it.” Usually they ask me the brand and model, I don’t remember if they also ask the Serial Number of the computer. After they check their records, they give me the activation key. And I type it and it activates that copy of Windows XP.
So, here you have the explanation for the ‘invalid’ CD keys. All you have to do is explain that you you don’t have the origianl means to restore it, and just installed from a OEM CD of other computer (same Windows XP version), using the CD key on the sticker thats placed on the computer. Since you still have a valid sticker, it means you have a valid license, and they have to give you a activation code. They just need to check and unblock that CD key.
You can still install Ubuntu Linux along side with Windows XP. I use it for work, I can do everything I need to do as I did in Windows, regarding office use, like word processing, spreadsheet, reading PDFs, printing, Internet use, etc. Only thing I use Windows is for gaming, and the some programs that don’t have a native Linux version and that I’m too lazy to try on Wine
. Advantages? No viruses, no spyware, more stability, and a new and different experience. Disadvantages? Some getting used to.
Best regards.
P.S.: There are different versions of Windows install CDs, like the Volume License, the OEM and the Retail. They only accept their respective types of CD keys, you can’t use a V.L. key on a OEM CD, etc, etc…
August 15th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Scott says:
Windows 2000 (buy a copy from Newegg). No activation required except for entering the serial number once during the install. It runs everything that XP does except the newest version of media player.
Linux is nice, but it’s not an option when you have thousands invested in Adobe applications or other high end software that won’t run on Linux.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Aud says:
google search WPA_KILL.exe download the program and make sure it’s version 2 and run it. Make sure you do this after SP2. Also turn on automatic updates so it downloads the updates but doesn’t automatically install them. The next time you update choose “custom install” and look through the list. Make sure WINDOWS GENUINE ADVANTAGE (WGA) is not selected to install, if you install WGA it may completey screw up your install and force you to restart (This happens even if the copy is ligit). After that it’s good to go and you’ll just have to check every once and a while to install windows updates that you’ve downloaded. So it’s perfectly possible to have no bad consequences from not doing things Micro$oft’s way.
August 15th, 2006 at 4:51 pm
steve says:
what the duece?! of course you can use Adobe within Linux. better check yer facts before you post.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_allversions.html
August 15th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Laurence Hawkins says:
I can’t believe that some people are suggesting you buy a new copy of WinXP. I don’t care if it is available on shopping.com for $5, if you buy a copy you’re an idiot. Just steal a corporate version from bit-torrent and share it with everyone you know. The principal of the matter is that Microsoft’s policies have cost you money (==time) and therefore you are completely justified in causing them financial harm in retribution.
August 15th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Rob says:
Read http://netsecurity.about.com/od/windowsxp/qt/aaqtwinxp0829.htm
- easy deal, and no phone calls needed.
August 15th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
OMG says:
SNAKES ON A MOTHERFUCKIN’ PLANE!
August 15th, 2006 at 6:19 pm
Irv Priddy says:
Recently had the same problem. Since I install many downloads and sometimes wreck my XP Pro install, which I bought around 1997 and installed over a Home XP, when I re-installed about 3 weeks ago
it said I had hit 25 installs and had to call Microsoft to RE_Activate. This burns me up, I legally purchased this Software and should be able to install as many times as necessary to have a clean OS.
August 15th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
Songkiat says:
–I AM NOT, NOR EVER WILL BE, A MICROSOFT EMPLOYEE–
I was not in the know about WGA or WPA much at all. I have read all posts and searched for definitions.
Microsoft headquarters controls when, how and if - your computer operates.
I don’t understand people allowing or submitting to such a loss of freedom and ownership of such critical and enabling technologies.
There is only one acceptable solution IMO – format and install a GPL or BSD licensed OS.
You want games? Buy a console.
You need MS specific applications? Think again and find alternatives.
If you really use critical data and applications, it is obvious, (or should be by now), you can not trust Microsoft to let you have access to your work. Win2K and earlier being the exceptions.
Why would you willingly compromise your data to WPA? Compatibility? Open Office is a complete and powerful replacement of MS Office (#26), without the WPA liability. Open Office .doc extension files work just fine #26.
It makes no sense to think of Microsoft WPA as anything other than a liability to your data.
To the two Microsoft employees that responded above - you are putting a band-aid on this mans severed artery of an issue. This is pathetic. I also doubt many people get such attention without a highlighted blog.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:54 pm
Cap'n Braedan says:
I have one word for you, Yar.
August 15th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
PhoenixReborn says:
I had a perfectly fine experience. My dad installed XP on my computer and did something wrong while entering the code and I was later told that I had to enter the code again. I did it and was told the code was already in use. I called Microsoft and they fixed it within a few minutes.
August 15th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Paul Blankenship says:
I only read the top 15 comments so if this has already been said, my mistake.
First thing here is, MS is not going to have keys for OEM equipment like what IBM, Dell, HP, Compaq, or Gateway provide. They are responsible for their own key generation and so forth. Believe me, this has been a headache more times than I care to talk about. In other words, you can’t use your own Retail/OEM disk in an large OEM manufacturer’s system. You absolutely, positively, and with out a shadow of a doubt, use the restore/recovery CD/Image provided with the system.
Now, I’m going to say this and I hope it’s not taken as an insult, but if this is “realtechnews” shouldn’t you know this kind of thing already. It sounds like you’re a “tinkerer” who’s doing this kind of thing for fun, particularly since you reinstall your system every few months (sometimes weeks). You should never work on anyone else’s computer unless you know without a doubt what you are doing. More often than not, when a person who tinkers gets to a PC before a professional, more damage is done by them than the actual person as this case displays. You’ve lost time messing around with it and shooting in the dark not to mention the aggrevation and this misleading article. Not to mention your neighbor has lost time and probably money when you told him to buy another license.
I use the term “professionals” rather loosely a