Windows XP Activation.

Neil · 06-02-2006, 20:13

I have just installed a replacement hard drive into a PC that controls (sort of) a robot. Because the hard drive had been set up in different PC it required re activating when I first booted the PC. It is a stand alone machine so I had to use the phone method. I rang the Microsoft number (on a mobile) and then entered all 42 digits of the activation number. It then said I had entered them wrong so it passed me to an operator. He asked me for the first 6 numbers only, from these 6, not 42 numbers he gave me the activation number. I typed all 42 numbers in and it activated fine.
This taught me 2 things.
1. Why do you have to tell them 42 numbers when really they only need the first 6?
2. Next time I need to do it it is a damn sight easier and quicker to use the little software proggy floating round the internet to activate Windows instead of the official route.
Why do Microsoft bother with the activation when it was cracked as soon as Windows XP came out?

chav1 · 06-02-2006, 21:41

next time do this

http://netsecurity.about.com/od/wind...twinxp0829.htm

edit:

oops this method only works if yu arnt changing any hardware like hard drives etc

oh well plenty of other ways to beat the activation process just google it

entwisi · 07-02-2006, 09:20

It comes down to the problem that all companies in this arena have. They want to secure their software/music etc but have to come up with a system that isn't too intrusive(unlucky Sony!) or people will not want to use their stuff. However the other side of the fence are hundreds of people who will try and find that one little route into the security that they need to break it. It is a never ending game. However IMHO if they charged a reasonable price for their product there would be far less piracy. e.g. PS2/Xbox games are £30-35 when released. The media probably costs less than a quid. Yes there are some horrendous R&D costs involved but you have to cosider is it better to sell 1 million making £25 on each or 10 million making £3 on each?

Neil · 07-02-2006, 12:42

Yep I agree with that Ian. It is the same with Sky TV. If gave all channels for £15 a month they would double there subscribers almost overnight and probably make more money.