Re: Activation stinks because I can't reinstall....

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From: Michael Stevens (mstevens_at_bogusmvps.org)
Date: 01/14/05 

Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 21:13:47 -0800

Jordan wrote:
> Not for nothing but by suggesting that "I" put my IDs in the case
> shows that you're the one that really does not know what your talking
> about. Check EVERY OEM computer and you will see that THEY put the
> ID on the outside of the case per MS instruction. "I" don't have a
> say in the matter. Anyone that knows what they are talking about
> wouldn't think that the end buyers have anything to say about where
> the sticker goes.

There is no restriction saying you cannot write down the product id, remove
the sticker and put the Product ID anywhere you want it. Since you get your
systems from a local vendor If they assemble them you could request they
place the sticker inside the case.

> Again, the issue I have is not whether or not I can roll a SP into any
> version because that is easy. That still does not elimiate the
> problem on what the base version was that I rolled the SP into. Even
> If I roll SP2 into a SP1 CD install, If I try to use that install on
> a machine that has Release, SP1a, or an SP2 machine the "Invalid ID"
> error is still going to happen. Unless I have some way to tell
> exactly what version was "originally" installed with that ID it
> becomes very difficult to track down.

If the XP CD's are generic OEM, a slipstreamed CD should not give an Invalid
ID. The OEM branded CD's when slipstreamed should also work on any of the
same brand computers. Same goes for retail. The CD's are not hard coded with
a Product ID so all you need is a data base of Product ID's and
corresponding computers and "a" corresponding XP CD. The way the system
shipped is irrelevant in regard to service pack and Product ID. If the
system shipped with a Generic OEM, use the Generic OEM with SP of your
choice and the Product ID assigned to the computer. Same with Branded OEM
and Retail.

> The fact is leaving the ID on the CD case was always the best thing. When
> the ID was on the CD case I never had to track what version SP
> was on the PC other than the current. All I had to do was check my
> database that shows me the ID I used for that machine and get the
> disk out of the draw for any reinstall. Now I need to modify my help
> desk program to add more fields for the original installed versions
> of all the MS stuff and that is a pain.
> Also, try pealing one of those off the case any you will see that
> they rip into pieces. Anyone that knows what they are talking about
> wouldn't suggest that either.

Why not, can't you write it down. I also remove the tags from pillows. 8-) 

-- 
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
xpnews@bogusmichaelstevenstech.com
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
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>
> Jordan
> MCSE since 1996
> Microsoft Certified Partner +5 years
>
>
> "Michael Stevens" <mstevens@bogusmvps.org> wrote in message
> news:umICFZP%23EHA.2032@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>>
>> "Jordan" <nojunk_allowed@nospam.com> wrote in message
>> news:uFN$v3L%23EHA.3368@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>>> Maybe you should actually try reading the post instead of being a
>>> wise ass!
>>>
>>> If I could keep my stupid key on the CD case then I could easily
>>> look at what key was used on the machine with some MS tools and a
>>> thousand other key tools.  When I need to reinstall I could use the
>>> key reader or look on my inventory *** to see what key is on the
>>> PC and get the CD that has that key number on it.
>>>
>>> MS making it so my XP, XP SP1, SP1a, and SP2 keys cannot be
>>> installed on each version when the patches and updates are FREE
>>> makes no sense.  It is not like when you purchased Win 95 and they
>>> had OEM Service Release 2 which had a bunch of new cool stuff in it
>>> specifically for OEM distributers to market their new PCs.
>>>
>>> It is stupid to make it so I have all my PCs on Windows XP SP2 and
>>> force me to use my Release, SP1, or SP1a CD to roll back everything
>>> and then reinstall SP2 when I should just be able to use SP2 to
>>> begin with. There is nothing in my previous post that could indicate 
>>> that I am
>>> trolling for any hackers so maybe you should not comment if your
>>> just going to post paraniod replies.
>>>
>>
>> Nothing paranoid in my reply, just observation that you don't know
>> what you are doing or talking about. All you have to do is make a
>> slipstreamed XP CD for each version of XP you have with the
>> appropriate Service Pack rolled into it. What keeps you from using a
>> spread*** to list your keys? It's not like you need a CD with each
>> key and put the product id inside the case if your employees are
>> that disgruntled. --
>> Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
>> xpnews@bogusmichaelstevenstech.com
>> http://michaelstevenstech.com
>> For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
>>
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "Michael Stevens" <mstevens@bogusmvps.org> wrote in message
>>> news:uOltbKD%23EHA.2180@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
>>>> Jordan wrote:
>>>>> I had to do an in place upgrade for my computer since I replaced
>>>>> the MOBO and processor so I thought I would save myself the
>>>>> hassle of having to install SP2 all over again and just use one
>>>>> of my CDs that has SP2 on it already since I don't know what
>>>>> originally was purchased for this machine. The problem is that
>>>>> when it comes time to enter my "VALID" product ID, Windows tells
>>>>> me it is invalid before it even checks with MS.
>>>>> Why does this have to be such a pain?  I have a hundred computers
>>>>> that I am responsible to keep up to date and I cannot tell which
>>>>> computer came with the release of XP, SP1, SP1a, or SP2.  If I was
>>>>> allowed to keep my stupid product ID labels on my CD case rather
>>>>> than the computer case I might not have the problem of knowing
>>>>> which CD and version was installed on which computer.
>>>>>
>>>>> No, instead I have to take my product ID labels and fasten them
>>>>> to my desktops where every disgruntled employee can write down
>>>>> the numbers and post them on the Internet so that all my licenses
>>>>> are voided. How does this activation stuff protect me again????
>>>>> All I can see is that I have to do a ton more work and keep more
>>>>> file cabinets full of junk to match each cd set to each PC rather
>>>>> than just keeping my key codes in a safe place and a spread***
>>>>> telling me which key is on what PC.
>>>>> Is there at least some way I can find out what was the original
>>>>> installed version of Windows XP?
>>>>
>>>> Sounds suspiciously like a troll post, since you don't seem to know
>>>> enough to be responsible for one computer let alone hundreds. <G>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
>>>> xpnews@bogusmichaelstevenstech.com
>>>> http://michaelstevenstech.com
>>>> For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
>>>> http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
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