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Activating Windows
Next, go to “Activate Windows”
(Start...Programs...Accessories...Program Tools...Activate Windows).
A certain number of days after the first install, you must “Activate”
Windows XP or else it stops working completely. You’ll want a modem
to Activate Windows online.
Basically, “Activate Windows”
is a way to protect Microsoft from software piracy. When you “Activate”
Windows, your PC logs onto Microsoft’s website and Microsoft takes
a snapshot of your computer’s hardware. Then, if someone later
tries to activate that particular copy of Windows XP on another computer,
it won’t allow activation, because it won’t be able to match
up the hardware on that computer with the hardware information that
Microsoft has stored in a database.
An interesting question: What if
you upgrade your system by adding a new mainboard, a new hard drive,
and a new DVD drive? The “snapshot” Windows has of your old
system might think you’re trying to install the operating system
onto another computer, even though the old components are no longer
in use.
One possibility is adding only one
part at a time to the old system, for example, the new hard drive. Then,
hopefully, Microsoft will recognize that you’re just upgrading
an existing system. Then, activate Windows. If an activation fails,
you can always call Microsoft and explain the situation to them. No
promises this will help you!
Be aware that if you retire an older
computer and try to do a full installation of Windows XP from the CD
onto your new computer, the activation will fail. To me, that seems
unfair.
You will need to go through the activation
process only if you need to reinstall Windows XP from the CD to a hard
drive. Another good option is to back up your full Windows system, using
MS backup, to be discussed later.
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How to Build Your Own PC (http://www.PCGuide.com/byop/) on PCGuide.com
Version 1.0 - Version Date: May 4, 2005
Adapted with permission from a work created by Charlie Palmer.
PCGuide.com Version © Copyright 2005 Charles M. Kozierok. All Rights Reserved.
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