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General discussion

Windows Activating - Genuine DISadvantage

Mar 1, 2006 2:53PM PST

I own a perfectly legitimate retail CD of Windows XP Home Edition. I am consider myself to be a hardware and software hobbiest in which I try lots of software, mess up my system on a regular basis and re-install Windows multiple times. It has now come to my attention that I must PAY to continue activating my software. Microsoft's site and any associated downloads with genuine advantage checks tell me my product has FAILED. The exact message is ''Validation Faliure: Activation Limit Exceeded''.

According to Microsoft's Activation team, my software is ''Activated'' through Windows Activation. When I double-click on Activate Windows, it says "Windows is already activated." According to Microsoft Customer Support, by giving them the product code from the hologram on my CD, my CD is an authentic retail CD. According to Microsoft Customer Support, I must pay to purchase a new license if I wish to continue using this CD.

What gives???

A ''Genuine Advantage Kit'' costs $99.00. Or I could send in my ''Counterfeit'' CD to Microsoft and pray they consider me eligible for a free ''Genuine Advantage Kit (whatever that is). In which I have to fill out a piracy report for a genuine product I paid for. I actually wonder what would happen if I sent them my genuine CD.

For all of those I've flamed over the years for running pirated Microsoft products. I FORGIVE YOU!

Jc

Discussion is locked

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A couple of things to try
Mar 1, 2006 3:19PM PST

One page suggested attempting to register and activate at the same time if you can get as far as the activation page and they think that may bypass the problem.

But two others suggested simply calling Microsoft and they will ask you a few questions and after you answer them, they will reset your Activation limit. Worth a try, if you already haven't.

-Kevin S.

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Linux and WINE
Mar 1, 2006 8:46PM PST

I would suggest just dumping windows all together. You sound pretty adventurous you might want to try using Linux and WINE (some versions already have wine built in). WINE is a windows compatibility layer that allows you to run most windows programs in linux.
I’m going to include a link to page where you can receive the free open source version of Ark Linux. This Linux “distro” is free and has WINE built in. I have not tried this version yet but am downloading it now. (it’s about 700mb). This is open source so you’ll never have to worry about getting locked out due to “registration”

If you have any questions I'll try to be on thet forum at around 12:30 eastern.

Philip P.

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Um you need the link don't you?
Mar 1, 2006 9:05PM PST
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That's why I should read the WHOLE post
Mar 1, 2006 9:52PM PST

I thought you were suggesting pouring wine over the computer and starting over.

Which I've definitely wanted to do before...

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Re: A couple things to try
Mar 2, 2006 2:35AM PST

I already called Microsoft. And as I mentioned, they want me to pay to reset my activation by getting a new license.

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look for a Key Genarator
Mar 2, 2006 6:44AM PST

search for a key generator and make as many keys as you want

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Just call
Mar 1, 2006 9:41PM PST

Just call and get a new activation key, I do it all the time.

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Re: Just Call
Mar 2, 2006 2:33AM PST

Are you referring to the activation part where you call Microsoft and do the, gimmme 6 digits at a time, then they give you six digits at a time back? If so, that has already been done. Activation is NOT the problem. Genuine Advantage check is.

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Then read this...
Mar 2, 2006 3:34AM PST
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Windows Updates
Mar 2, 2006 3:43AM PST

Thats just for Windows Updates, he needs to be able to activate Windows to be able to GET to the updates site. However, I think Microsoft has fixed that issue too.

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That stinks...
Mar 2, 2006 7:30AM PST

It won't help you now, but once you do get Windows reinstalled, it might be a good idea to take an image of the drive. Then you can use that to restore your computer instead of reinstalling.

good luck