ACTIVATING WINDOWS XP

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Microsoft decided to take on their shoulders to try and quash software piracy. In doing so, Microsoft introduced something called Windows Product Activation (WPA).

After you install Windows XP, you will have about 30 days to activate your copy. If you don’t do it, which I definitely don’t suggest, you will relegate yourself to a very limited access to your computer’s operating system.

WHO MUST ACTIVATE WINDOWS XP?

Answer: Everyone!

If you buy a preinstalled version of Windows XP, you will not be required to activate your copy. Most computer suppliers will pre-activate XP for you. So, in this case you are kind of off the hook.

WHATS THE REAL DEAL WITH WPA?

WPA, to some folks, is a huge bother…not really! Here a few things to remember as you deal with WPA:

• Registration and Activation are two totally different things:
  • Activation is mandatory
  • Registration is your choice
• Windows Product Activation does not require you to put any of your personal information into your computer to provide Microsoft. It will also not reveal any particular information about your computer.
• Microsoft allows your to complete your product activation either online or via telephone.
• Contrary to popular belief, not mine, you “CAN” alter many pieces of hardware in your computer without the need to reactivate Windows.

HOW DOES WPA ACTUALLY WORK?

Many people hear varying degrees of explanation as to how WPA actually works. I will dispel the myths and tell you exactly how Microsoft’s innovative thinking works. In order to activate your product, you must submit an Installation ID. What is an installations ID, you ask? Well, in consist of two pieces of information: The Product Key and a Hardware Hash. No, hardware hash is not some new geek breakfast food, it is a simple algorithm derived from 10 pieces of information about your computer’s hardware configuration. The items which are included in the hash are as follows:

• Processor Type
• Processor serial number
• Hard Drive type
• Hard Drive serial number
• Network Adapter MAC address
• Amount of RAM
• Display Adapter
• CDROM/DVD-ROM/CD-RW
• SCSI Adapter
• IDE Adapter

Now, the Product ID and the Hardware Hash are combined to form the Installation ID. You will be able to alter six (6) of the hardware elements (of the Network Card and three (3) other elements) without having to re-activate your copy of Windows XP. If, for any reason, you alter more than the aforementioned components, you will be required to call Microsoft and try an persuade to nice person on the other end of the phone that you are not trying to attempt to install your “ONE” copy of XP on another machine. If successful, and it really is not a huge hassle, they will provide you with an activation key that you enter in order to reactivate you copy of XP.

ACTIVATION IS A BREEZE TO ACCOMPLISH!

As you use your computer and Windows XP, you will see a popup window in the lower right hand corner of your screen…reminding you that you need to activate XP. You will also notice that it gives you a running countdown as to the number of days you have left to accomplish this task. Simply click on this popup window and follow the step-by-step process to complete activation.

Alternatively, you may click START -> ALL PROGRAMS -> ACCESSORIES -> SYSTEM TOOLS -> ACTIVATE WINDOWS.

VOILA…YOU HAVE ACTIVATED WINDOWS XP AND MADE MICROSOFT A HAPPY CAMPER!

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