Microsoft has had to create a new build of Windows XP Professional for computer makers because the six-year-old operating system's continued popularity has nearly exhausted the supply of product activation keys. The new build, dubbed SP2c, includes no fixes or feature changes, but was created simply to address the shrinking pool of product keys. XP Pro SP2c, which has been released to manufacturing, will be made available to OEMs and system builders next month, said Microsoft.
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Member since:2005-11-10
Member since:2006-04-22
Member since:2006-10-12
For now, and if you're not one of the many people whose valid keys won't activate.
What happens when Microsoft decides to discontinue the product activation service for Windows XP (and, for that matter, Office XP) because it's no longer cost-effective? I don't recall them stating that they'd run it indefinitely (hint: because they haven't stated that).
Member since:2007-08-05
Member since:2005-07-08
Thanks for puking out the standard BSA party line. 
Product Activation is only an issue if aren't using a pirated copy.
Properly pirated copies don't even have activation components in them. This is exactly why Product Activation and DRM is complete crap. It only stops very casual pirates and legitimate customers.
Screw your customers too many times and/or two hard and you've got a problem on your hands.
Member since:2005-07-06
I can assure you that there have been many instances of product activating not working with even legal products. It isn't as clear cut as 'this doesn't activate, therefore, it is pirated'. Infact, Microsoft has actually make things worse through its use - anyone ever used Quark - then you'll know what I mean.
Member since:2005-07-24
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Product Activation is only an issue if you wish to use a pirated copy.
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Wow. What naivety.
No. It's an issue for all their customers. Expect more onerous burdens to be borne by their customers, to prove that they are legit, before this is over.
They have a billion people in China to "figure out how to collect from in the next decade".
Member since:2005-08-11
Member since:
2007-08-05
Windows XP has a built in kill switch:
Product Activation.