Users who install Windows XP Service Pack 3 will not be required to enter Microsoft's product activation key before they use the operating system, according to a Microsoft white paper. Instead they will get a 30-day period of grace - the same as users of Windows Vista - after which they will have to enter the key to prove that the product is genuine. Problems can occur if a user legally obtains the software and, for some reason, a problem occurs with validation. By allowing a 30-day period, users have a chance to get the problem fixed while they are using the software.
To view parent comment, click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
Member since:2005-11-13
It will................
really? so millions of HP and Dell machines are going to suddenly start prompting for activation?
Sounds like a surefire way to piss of a lot of customers!
It will................
If you've modified the DMI area of your BIOS your machine looks just like an OEM machine to Windows.
If it effects a proper DMI modification it will effect a legitimate OEM install.
You might be surprised how this plays out.
Somehow I doubt it. lol.
I'll offer a hint: If you activated XP via wpakill or some such shit. Y'all got a problem.
I'd expect as much, thats a given with any service pack.
I'm talking about specifically modifying your BIOS to make an OEM copy of XP believe its installed on an OEM machine from Dell, HP etc. etc.
I'll install the beta of the sp just to be sure but I don't think there will be an issue on those machines, not without breaking activation on genuine installs also.
Member since:
2005-10-19
It should not effect an OEM install on legitimate hardware.
It will................
I also suspect it won't bother anyone who has modifed the DMI area of their bios to OEM activate XP also.
It will................
Software activation is so easily broken I don't know why MS wastes money on it.
You might be surprised how this plays out.
I'll offer a hint: If you activated XP via wpakill or some such shit. Y'all got a problem.