Activating windows after reinstallation: The Point-System

PC Hobbyist

PC Hobbyist

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I have reinstalled xp a couple of times and have had no problems with activation. I plan on making some changes to my computer soon and reinstalling xp.

I remember reading on a microsoft website how they determine if the pc is the same one upon reinstallation - i.e. the point-system they use based upon your hardware. For example, changing X hardware costs you 3 points, Z would be 2 points and so on. And then as long as it all doesn't add up to (let's say) 6 points, then you're ok.

I can't find that website anymore. Can anyone here point me to it?

Also, how is it again? I should first reinstall and then make all the changes.... or vice-versa? :confused:

I know I can always just call MS if I have problems with the activation, but it bugs me that I can't remember how it the point system works. I used to know this a lot better but my memory is failing me right now.
 
Aha.....Hmmmmm.... (sigh).....Ahhhhh :)
It's all coming back now. Thanks, elmarcorulz.

BTW, your signature quote cracks me up.
 
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elmarcorulz said:
...it caused alot of toruble on this forum not o long ago.
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Really? Jee-willickers! I just thought is was funny, but I guess I can see some people getting all worked up over it. Maybe you really should give that bike back. ;)
 
It'm me again. I came back to this post because I was looking for that link again to the activation point system. Now, when I click on the link that almarcorulz posted, it appears that microsoft has changed the page.

So, I'll post part of what I had saved so others can read it here:

Can I change or upgrade my hardware components?

MPA can tolerate some change in hardware components by allowing a degree of difference between the current hash value and the hash value that was originally activated. Users can change hardware components without having to reactivate the product. If users make substantial changes to their hardware components, even over long periods of time, they may have to reactivate the product. In that case, users may have to contact a Microsoft customer service representative by telephone to reactivate.



How does MPA determine tolerance? How many components of the computer can I change before I have to reactivate?

Common changes to hardware, such as upgrading a video card, adding a second hard disk, adding RAM, or upgrading a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, do not require reactivation.

Specifically, MPA determines tolerance by using a point system. Ten hardware characteristics are used to create the hardware hash. Each characteristic is equal to one point, except the network card, which is equal to three points. Tolerance is determined by what has not changed, instead of what has changed. If the current hardware hash is compared to the original hardware hash, there have to be seven or more matching points for the two hardware hashes to be considered in tolerance. For example, if the network card, which is equal to three points, remains the same, only four additional points have to match. If the network card has been changed, a total of seven points have to match. If the device is a portable computer (specifically a dockable device), additional tolerance is allotted and only four matching points are required. Therefore, if the device is dockable and the network card has not changed, only one additional point has to be the same, for a total of four points. If the device is dockable and the network card has changed, a total of four points have to match.



Are the changes cumulative? If I change one component today, and then change one component tomorrow, is that considered two component changes?

The changes are cumulative; however, if a user is asked to reactivate, the hardware profile is reset to the new configuration.



What are the 10 hardware characteristics that are used to determine the hardware hash?

The following 10 hardware characteristics are used to determine the hardware hash:
•​
Display adapter
•​
SCSI adapter
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IDE adapter
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Network adapter media access control address
•​
RAM amount range (for example, 0-64MB or 64-128MB)
•​
Processor type
•​
Processor serial number
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Hard disk device
•​
Hard disk volume serial number
•​
CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive


Does MPA deter hard disk cloning by comparing the hardware hashes?

One form of piracy that MPA helps guard against is hard disk cloning. Some forms of hard disk cloning are allowed. However, by comparing the original hardware hash to the current hardware hash, MPA deters hard disk cloning by requiring reactivation if the hardware hashes are substantially different.



If I reformat my hard disk, is reactivation required?

If you reformat the hard disk and you reinstall the product, reactivation is required. The same grace periods for activation apply in this situation. You can reactivate a product on the same computer as many times as you require. The activation can be completed over the Internet or by using the telephone.
 
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Just phone them up if it won't automatically reactivate. They'll ask you if it's installed on any other computers. Tell them no, they'll give you a new activation ID. Simple as that.
 
elmarcorulz said:
Links working fine for me. Fresh Link
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Really? I only get about a third of the page. It says it is done loading, but I can still scroll down the other two-thirds, except it's all just blank/white. :confused: Anyway, that's why I pasted the main info here. I actually found where I had saved all that on my hd, so I have the info. Thanks, though.

SirKenin said:
Just phone them up if it won't automatically reactivate. They'll ask you if it's installed on any other computers. Tell them no, they'll give you a new activation ID. Simple as that.
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Thanks SirKenin. I was actually just looking for some information on that site. My windows is activated, but I do know that if it ever doesn't activate, I call big brother Bill. :)
 
PC Hobbyist said:
Really? I only get about a third of the page. It says it is done loading, but I can still scroll down the other two-thirds, except it's all just blank/white. :confused: Anyway, that's why I pasted the main info here. I actually found where I had saved all that on my hd, so I have the info. Thanks, though.
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Hehe, i guess you're right, i just clicked the link and saw it was working, i dind't bother scrolling down.
 
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