Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops,alt.os.windows-xp,microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Hi,
 
My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP
disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think). It had screwed
previously once before and I used the Compaq "system restore" (or similar
name 3 cds) which did a new install.
 
Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the installed software as its
a real pain to re install and update it all again.
 
However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop and on startup the OS
wont let me log into the account or bypass it without activation.
 
So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an activation code before I
can even access my machine. Is the right????
 
What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I have no access to a
phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my computer?
 
Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been activated?
 
If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have to do a repair
install both onerous and intrusive.
 
I *own* the software don't I??
 
Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and use my machine
without having to go through this palaver?
 
Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the Laptop it was
purchsed with.
 
Thanks

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Joe, if you used the product key on a sticker on the PC to install Windows XP
Pro, you will need to activate your windows by calling Microsoft. To bypass the
activation, try the following:
 
1 - Go to folder i386 and search for this file unattend.txt.
2 - Open that file using any text editor (NotePad) and search the ProductKey
line.
3 - Write down the key number in that line on a piece of paper.
4 - Use this product key during the installation instead of the one you got
from the sticker.
5 - You may not be asked to activate your windows.
 
Regards ... John

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops,alt.os.windows-xp,microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

This link will explain Activation in detail:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm
Among other things it lists two files you can copy and save to prevent the  
need for activation after a Repair Installation.
These files will not work for a Clean Installation.
 
You can activate by phone or on the internet.
If Activation is necessary, you will need to activate one of those two  
methods.
So to answer your "What if" question, if you can not activate one of the two  
methods and time runs out, you will be unable to use Windows until you  
activate.
 
 "I *own* the software don't I??"
No, you don't.
You own a license to use Windows under the terms of the EULA
 
--  
Jupiter Jones  [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/
 
 
"Joe" <not@home.com> wrote in message  
news:41cb2d3d$0$19160$cc9e4d1f@news-text.dial.pipex.com...
> Hi,
>
> My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP
> disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think). It had screwed
> previously once before and I used the Compaq "system restore" (or similar
> name 3 cds) which did a new install.
>
> Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the installed software as  
> its
> a real pain to re install and update it all again.
>
> However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop and on startup the  
> OS
> wont let me log into the account or bypass it without activation.
>
> So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an activation code before I
> can even access my machine. Is the right????
>
> What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I have no access to  
> a
> phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my computer?
>
> Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been activated?
>
> If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have to do a repair
> install both onerous and intrusive.
>
> I *own* the software don't I??
>
> Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and use my machine
> without having to go through this palaver?
>
> Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the Laptop it was
> purchsed with.
>
> Thanks
>
>

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

"John" <jeshoemaker@aol.comNOSPAM> wrote in message
news:20041223155638.09790.00001554@mb-m20.aol.com...
> Joe, if you used the product key on a sticker on the PC to install Windows
XP
> Pro,
 
Hi John.
 
Yes, thats what I did. It was XP "Pro" I forgot to mention.
 
>you will need to activate your windows by calling Microsoft. To bypass the
> activation, try the following:
 
 
 
> 1 - Go to folder i386 and search for this file unattend.txt.
> 2 - Open that file using any text editor (NotePad) and search the
ProductKey
> line.
> 3 - Write down the key number in that line on a piece of paper.
> 4 - Use this product key during the installation instead of the one you
got
> from the sticker.
> 5 - You may not be asked to activate your windows.
 
I take it you mean just try another repair? It wont be affected by the fact
that I just "aborted" one?
 
Will I be able to get in to dos using F8 and safe mode or should I use a
disc?
(I know I can find out easily enough myself but who knows using one way over
another might affect the contents of "unattend.txt" )
 
Unfortunatley, I don't have the laptop to hand, but I'll give it a go later.
 
Thanks John.
 
Anyone else have any techniques?

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops,alt.os.windows-xp,microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message
newsUn32LT6EHA.3820@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> This link will explain Activation in detail:
> http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm
> Among other things it lists two files you can copy and save to prevent the
> need for activation after a Repair Installation.
> These files will not work for a Clean Installation.
 
OK, thanks. That'll help *next* time, will it this given the scenario I
presented?
 
Cheers

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops,alt.os.windows-xp,microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Joe wrote:
 
> Hi,
>  
> My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP
> disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think). It had screwed
> previously once before and I used the Compaq "system restore" (or similar
> name 3 cds) which did a new install.
>  
> Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the installed software as
> its a real pain to re install and update it all again.
>  
> However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop and on startup the
> OS wont let me log into the account or bypass it without activation.
>  
> So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an activation code before I
> can even access my machine. Is the right????
>  
> What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I have no access to
> a phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my computer?
>  
> Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been activated?
>  
> If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have to do a repair
> install both onerous and intrusive.
>  
> I *own* the software don't I??
>  
> Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and use my machine
> without having to go through this palaver?
>  
> Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the Laptop it was
> purchsed with.
 
You can spend the 600 bucks or so for an MSDN Operating Systems subscription
(or go for one of the higher levels of MSDN)--if you are affiliated with a
university you might qualify for academic pricing which takes it down to
around $230.  That gets you a version of XP that, I am told, does not
require activation.
 
> Thanks
 
--  
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

You do NOT "own" the software.  You didn't buy the software, you bought  
a license to use it subject to restrictions.  Activation and the license  
terms are among those.
 
 
Joe wrote:
> Hi,
>  
> My laptop screwed and I did a repair install using the Compaq Windows XP
> disc which came with the machine (build 2600 I think). It had screwed
> previously once before and I used the Compaq "system restore" (or similar
> name 3 cds) which did a new install.
>  
> Anyway, this time around I was hoping to save the installed software as its
> a real pain to re install and update it all again.
>  
> However, I have one account, my account, on the Laptop and on startup the OS
> wont let me log into the account or bypass it without activation.
>  
> So it seems I must phone up microsoft and get an activation code before I
> can even access my machine. Is the right????
>  
> What happens next time the OS screws? What happens if I have no access to a
> phone for a while?? Will it mean I can't access my computer?
>  
> Why can't the OS "remember" that the OS has already been activated?
>  
> If true, I find the need to contact MS everytime I have to do a repair
> install both onerous and intrusive.
>  
> I *own* the software don't I??
>  
> Is there a way (now and in the future) I can access and use my machine
> without having to go through this palaver?
>  
> Note that this is a bona-fide copy ofWindows XP on the Laptop it was
> purchsed with.
>  
> Thanks
>  
>

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

"Barry Watzman" <WatzmanNOSPAM@neo.rr.com> wrote in message
news:nROyd.14077$LW1.9170@fe2.columbus.rr.com...
> You do NOT "own" the software.  You didn't buy the software, you bought
> a license to use it subject to restrictions.  Activation and the license
> terms are among those.
 
Thanks for that Barry. Useful contribution.
The software has already been activated. Why should I have to do it again
and be locked out of my laptop in the meantime?
 
BTW Top posting although *not* against any license *is* frowned upon.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Normally, in a "reinstallation", you won't have to do it again.
 
Activation looks at up to ten parameters of the system.  In a  
"reinstallation", it compares those ten items with what they were the  
last time the software was activated.  Up to 3 items can change (6 if  
the network card MAC address, which is one of the items, does not  
change).  If more than that change, you have to reactivate.
 
However, obviously, reactivation would be required in a "new" install,  
or if the information about the last activation had gotten destroyed.
 
 
Joe wrote:
> "Barry Watzman" <WatzmanNOSPAM@neo.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:nROyd.14077$LW1.9170@fe2.columbus.rr.com...
>  
>>You do NOT "own" the software.  You didn't buy the software, you bought
>>a license to use it subject to restrictions.  Activation and the license
>>terms are among those.
>  
>  
> Thanks for that Barry. Useful contribution.
> The software has already been activated. Why should I have to do it again
> and be locked out of my laptop in the meantime?
>  
> BTW Top posting although *not* against any license *is* frowned upon.
>  
>  
>  
>  
>  
>

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

John Doue wrote:
>  
> <snip>
>
> 4/ I would gladly go back to the days buying software was a joy and not
> a rip-off. Since this is not an option, I get by but would NEVER use a
> software which requires activation if I cannot find a work-around. And
> this does not necessarily mean going illegal.
 
1) What OS are you currently using?
 
2) How does one find a "work-around" without "going illegal?"
 
Notan

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Notan wrote:
> John Doue wrote:
>  
>><snip>
>>
>>4/ I would gladly go back to the days buying software was a joy and not
>>a rip-off. Since this is not an option, I get by but would NEVER use a
>>software which requires activation if I cannot find a work-around. And
>>this does not necessarily mean going illegal.
>  
>  
> 1) What OS are you currently using?
>  
> 2) How does one find a "work-around" without "going illegal?"
>  
> Notan
1/ 98 and XP. Before you ask, OEM versions don't require activation.
 
2/ You will have to do your own digging here, sorry. My point is, as  
long as you legally use a software (I am not saying "own" to avoid long  
amplifications from legal experts ...), you are not doing anyone any  
harm if you do not activate it.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Microsoft's product activation is actually very, very good.  They did a  
good job of staying completely out of the way of almost all "normal"  
users, and they are reasonable with users who have needs that go beyond  
the "normal" user and who do need personal interaction.  That's not to  
say that there are not problems and issues, after all over 100,000,000  
people per year acquire just Windows XP alone (not to mention other MS  
products).
 
Still, compared to the abortions that Symantec and Intuit (Turbo-Tax)  
came up with, MS did it "right" ***IF*** you are going to do it.  (note,  
Intuit dropped PA for Turbo-Tax after using it for only one disasterous  
year).
 
That still leaves the matter of the "principle" of the thing, and of  
firms that go "belly up".  For example, 3-2-1 Studios used PA on all of  
their "DVD XCopy" products.  Now they are out of business, and  
presumably anyone who has any of their products is out of luck.  In this  
instance, the courts declared the products themselves to be illegal, so  
maybe that's kind of the intent, but if Symantec goes out of business,  
it would leave a lot of people "high and dry" for perfectly legal  
paid-for products.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Barry Watzman wrote:
> Microsoft's product activation is actually very, very good.  They did a  
> good job of staying completely out of the way of almost all "normal"  
> users, and they are reasonable with users who have needs that go beyond  
> the "normal" user and who do need personal interaction.  That's not to  
> say that there are not problems and issues, after all over 100,000,000  
> people per year acquire just Windows XP alone (not to mention other MS  
> products).
>  
Barry,
 
It would be interesting to know how many individuals buy full licence XP  
  as opposed to all those who unwillingly pay for an OEM version. How  
many times do you see someone buying an XP OS in a store like Best Buy,  
Compusa, etc, assuming XP is at all for sale there? That is very telling  
I believe.
 
The rational of the activation device should allow MS to stop "forcing"  
(please do not argue manufacturers are not forced, let us look at the  
facts, not theory) OEM versions down the throat of any  
manufacturer/vendor of any significant size. Machines should be sold  
without OS, or at least a realistic option should be offered to buyers  
at the time they purchase the machine. This would be very easy to  
implement since the activation device seems to be real effective and a  
lot less treacherous than supposedly offering the option to be reimburse  
at install time. Who has ever seen this option pop-up when starting a  
new machine?
 
Then, we will probably never get a thruthfull evaluation of the piracy  
phenomenon. Lots of users are aggravated by the activation thing - I for  
one, granted - ; the risks of having the activation trigger while you  
are on a business trip in a foreign country (or any inconvenient time)  
because you swapped hard drive, memory or anything else and having to go  
to the hassle of finding how to activate from there (OK, probably not  
very hard but a damn nuisance) is something no one looks forward to.
 
I know for a fact - as you certainly do - that MVPs generally try to get  
MS to change its licencing policy to include the notion of house-hold  
and up to, say, five machines. This has fallen on dead hears so far.
 
> Still, compared to the abortions that Symantec and Intuit (Turbo-Tax)  
> came up with, MS did it "right" ***IF*** you are going to do it.  (note,  
> Intuit dropped PA for Turbo-Tax after using it for only one disasterous  
> year).
 
I am so pleased those companies failed in their attempt; part of the  
failure cause was bad implementation but also customers ire.
 
> That still leaves the matter of the "principle" of the thing, and of  
> firms that go "belly up".  For example, 3-2-1 Studios used PA on all of  
> their "DVD XCopy" products.  Now they are out of business, and  
> presumably anyone who has any of their products is out of luck.  In this  
> instance, the courts declared the products themselves to be illegal, so  
> maybe that's kind of the intent, but if Symantec goes out of business,  
> it would leave a lot of people "high and dry" for perfectly legal  
> paid-for products.
 
That is one more thing to take into consideration.
 
The computing world would be a better place if Bill Gates had devoted  
its genius to innovative AND quality products marketed in a fair way. He  
might be some billion dollars "poorer" but he would enjoy more respect  
than the one he gets for being one of the wealthiest man on earth, this  
being just one measure of his personal value. But this is just my own  
rambling, quite OT.
 
John

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 23:35:33 -0800, mike <spamme0@netscape.net> wrote:
>snip<
 
Mike,
 
I don't understand your use of the term force.  Who forced you to buy
XP?  When I decided to upgrade from my old computer, no one put a gun
to my head.  My old computer did everything it did when I first bought
it and more, but I just wanted newer technology.  The computer I chose
didn't have an OS preloaded.  I chose to use XP Pro.  I've tried Red
Hat and prefer XP, but there are some who prefer a Linux based OS.  I
chose not to buy a Mac and I understand that Mac's are preferred by
some users.  The point is that we all have a choice.  If the
government gets into the act, they may be able to force the price
down, but you would probably see the supply dry up and/or the
development of the product will be moved offshore. I just bought a
used laptop on Ebay for less than $200 (including shipping).  It came
with an OS preloaded, but I knew that ahead of time and it was one of
the things I looked at when I decided to make a bid.  I wasn't
"forced" to buy that computer.  I have downloaded Open Office and it
didn't cost a dime.  I have MS Office Professional 2003 on my desktop
and it was my decision to do that - wasn't forced.  I think the EULA
will permit me to put MS Office on both the desktop and the laptop,
but I haven't tried yet.  My old desktop came with 98SE and I upgraded
that to XP Home.  I wasn't forced to do that either.  I went to Costco
and bought it.  The are many companies that sell systems they call
"barebones" and you load them up with what you want.
 
I'm going to make some guesses about your situation.  Unless your
retired or independently wealthy, I would guess you sell your job
skills to someone at the most you can charge.  Those who pay for your
services can either pay the price, find another person willing to
perform the service for less, or ask you to take less.  You probably
think that they should be forced to pay what you think is "fair" and
you have already indicated that companies to be force to sell at
prices you have determined are "fair".  From what I've read of your
posts, you are a Socialist.  Barry is right.
 
 
---------------------------------------------------------------
 
bs has been included as part of my e-mail address to reduce the
amount of spam mail. Change the 'bs'in my address to 'bellsouth'  
to send me a message.  
 
Bill Burlingame

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

William J. Burlingame <wjburl@bs.net> wrote:
> On Sat, 25 Dec 2004 23:35:33 -0800, mike <spamme0@netscape.net> wrote:
> I don't understand your use of the term force.  Who forced you to buy
> XP?
 
Presumably the manufacturer who refused to sell him the laptop without
XP on it.  And microsoft who refuse to sell the o/s's to the
manufacturer unless they put them on every model, or whatever other
illegal monopolistic agreement they make them sign!
 
 
> it and more, but I just wanted newer technology.  The computer I chose
> didn't have an OS preloaded.  
 
Then it wasn't a laptop. I know of only one small manufacturer who will
provide laptops without an o/s on. Goodness knows that every time I've
ordered a laptop I've insisted they register my request that they
supply it without an o/s and that I do not want and will not use or
touch the one that comes with it.
 
Peter

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

On Sun, 26 Dec 2004 16:16:36 +0100, ptb@lab.it.uc3m.es (Peter T.
Breuer) wrote:
 
 
>snip<
>Then it wasn't a laptop. I know of only one small manufacturer who will
>provide laptops without an o/s on. Goodness knows that every time I've
>ordered a laptop I've insisted they register my request that they
>supply it without an o/s and that I do not want and will not use or
>touch the one that comes with it.
 
Take a look at http://www.pricewatch.com/ and go to the link Notebooks
- No OS.  You also stated that you insist that the company you've
ordered from supply the laptop without an o/s. I guess you've been
successful. You do have a choice and you won't go to jail for doing
it.
 
>
>Peter
 
---------------------------------------------------------------
 
bs has been included as part of my e-mail address to reduce the
amount of spam mail. Change the 'bs'in my address to 'bellsouth'  
to send me a message.  
 
Bill Burlingame