Windows XP activation

[breadandbubbles]

the first time i ever reformatted my PC using my Windows XP Pro disc, i couldnt activate over the internet. i had to call them. nd ive had to call them every time since. one customer service rep said that its possible someone got a hold of my key, or something, through illegal methods? im not exactly sure...

i asked him a few questions (because i REALLY hate calling them. it takes forever), but he didnt know the answers. he offered to put me through to another department, and i declined, not caring THAT much.

but now...after thinking about it..i DO care.

i just dont understand it. i thought Windows knew what your computer was like, but as i thought about it, i realized...how? can they recognize you through your IP? or your mac? ive heard of mac spoofers. is that all it takes? if so...cant they do anything about it?

it cant be as simple as installing a router and running a mac spoofer, can it? thats not fair to the rest of us.

can someone enlighten me on this? how do other people around the world using my serial key avoid detection? microsofts abig company. if they find someones IP, cant they contact their internet provider, like i heard they do with tracking child porn weirdos?

Edited April 23, 2008 by breadandbubbles

[cluberti]

Technet has an article on activation, and how the hash that determines your PC (and gets stored with your activation with MS when you do activate over the 'net) is determined.

[nmX.Memnoch]

because i REALLY hate calling them. it takes forever

When is the last time you called them for an activation? You don't have to talk to anyone anymore...it's all automated. And it only takes about five minutes...if that.

[Redhatcc]

well.. if someone got your product key through illegal activities i wouldnt think it would be as simple as through your ip or whatnot. even though if someone has had your ip, they would have to get into your computer via port scanning, trojans etc. because if im not mistaken your product key is located in your registry. and to view that you would need to upload someones SAM (which is totally possible through a trojan) or have access to viewing it.

reverse connection trojans is probally how someone had got it ( if that is what had happened)

working at a computer center, i have from time to time seen keys that after the first format, wouldnt activate :-( but normally calling activation center will help.

lol honestly its about talking to the right person, if you get them and explain your situation, if your lucky they will give you another key :-D . its happened to me just aggravating calling them over again to get to that right person :-/

Hope you have good luck with your situation!

[Tripredacus]

You know what, we learned the hard way that Sysprep is designed to disable the NIC at the time of activation. Perhaps that is what you are experiencing?

[breadandbubbles]

sysprep? NIC?

[severach]

the first time i ever reformatted my PC using my Windows XP Pro disc, i couldnt activate over the internet.

What is "My XP Pro Disc"? If it's a Retail Full or Retail Upgrade then you shouldn't be hassled so long as you don't activate too often. If it's an OEM that you purchased from a computer store with a piece of hardware then you'll be hassled every time after a few activations. If it's a side of case key from a big name vendor like Dell, Gateway, or HP then you may well get hassled the first time and every time.

If you have a Retail version and you aren't installing too often and you get hassled then your key might be stolen. I wouldn't depend on the rep's recommendation. It sounds like they are making that up and not reading from something important on their screen.

What kind of key it is helps to determine how it might be compromised. I can go into any computer store and read the key off the bottom of any computer. That should give you an idea of why that type of key hassles you every time.

>can they recognize you through your IP?

That changes from time to time. They might collect the IP but it won't give them any useful information.

>or your mac? ive heard of mac spoofers. is that all it takes?

>it cant be as simple as installing a router and running a mac spoofer, can it? thats not fair to the rest of us.

Your MAC stops at your router which is either your cheapo router at home or the router at your ISP. Your router's MAC stops at the ISP router.

>how do other people around the world using my serial key avoid detection?

They call in like you do with a big sob story. Microsoft is pretty lenient giving out activations over the phone. The hassle must be working.

>if they find someones IP, cant they contact their internet provider, like i heard they do with tracking child porn weirdos?

I don't think your key is worth that much trouble.

[Tripredacus]

sysprep? NIC?

You know after you install winders, you go through that Blue welcome "setup your computer" type deal? That thing.