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

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From: Jordan (nojunk_allowed_at_nospam.com)
Date: 01/12/05 

Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:14:01 -0500

Thank you for all the people that posted how to inventory a PC. I
appreciate the info, but I already have that info and that is not the
problem that I am facing, but Thank you.

For all of you that did not READ the post and are being wise asses, I know
WHAT is installed on the computers, but I can't match the original CD with
the exact computer. For example, I have tag on the side of the computer
xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx - Great! Now I need to reinstall the OS for
reason ?????. Since I keep my network up to date all the computers are on
XP SP2.

Here's the problem. The PC says that it is SP2 however did this PC ship
with the release of XP, SP1, SP1a, or SP2??? If I reinstall with SP2
instead of SP1a or any other combination that is not the original version
shipped then I get an error when I enter the tag number affixed to the side
of the computer. I just tried to reinstall the OS on one of my newer PCs
and it must have shipped with SP1a or earlier because the number is coming
up "Invalid" right when I enter it even before I try to activate over the
Internet.

I am not trying to fish out you loosers that are trying to crack XP's
activation. I am trying to find a way to know what verion of XP and Office
where "installed originally" because my stupid tags don't say the service
pack number on them. They just say Windows XP Pro. I DON'T want to just put
on one of my numbers that are the same version of the CD that I just
reinstalled with because I then have two PCs with the same product ID
number.

What am I supposed to do? Tape the CD's that came with the PC to the side
as well? Sometimes I order 5 or more PCs at a time from a small local
vendor so all my CD's manuals, etc. come in one big box while the PCs come
in their own boxes. How do I match up the CD's incase one box was made when
a new SP came out?

I am also complaining about the stupid requirements to put those dumb
stickers with my ID codes right on the PC. Any employee, visitor, or the
cleaning lady can just write down the number and post it on the Internet
then I get screwed.

"Richard Urban" <richardurbanREMOVETHIS@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:uwqWFCD%23EHA.2580@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
> 1. You take care of a hundred computers.
>
> 2. You don't know how to find out what was installed on any of these
> hundred computers, or how to retrieve the install key from said computers.
>
> What a load of bull s**t you ladle out!
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> Richard Urban
>
> aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard :-)
>
> If you knew as much as you thought you know,
> You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!
>
>
> "Jordan" <nojunk_allowed@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:OsEFU9B%23EHA.608@TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>>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?
>>
>
>

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