Re: Expires in --- days but Activation Window says active

From: LVTravel (trash_at_dd.com)
Date: 04/09/04 

Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2004 13:13:32 -0400

See, your problem is that the software (Win XP) is an OEM version which is
forever tied to the GATEWAY computer it was shipped with. It is a violation
of the EULA to put it on another computer as you have done. Microsoft DOES
NOT support any OEM versions of any of their software as it is the OEM's
responsibility. The OEM (Gateway) is not responsible for support since you
have the software installed on a machine that is not theirs and you have
violated the EULA which effectively voids any service from any person. 

-- 
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"Jan" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:67D5D276-D270-49DF-BC5E-DFE77A00C409@microsoft.com...
> The company I work for purchased 100 plus computers from Gateway.  They
did NOT install Windows XP Professional on any of the computers, they
installed Windows NT and then last year upgraded to Windows 2000.  All these
Windows XP Professional CDs were available to anyone.  I brought one home
and installed it a couple weeks ago.
>
> During the installation, it asked me for the code on the hologram sticker
that is on my work computer.  When the installation was complete, I don't
know how I managed to do it but I discovered I still had Windows 98
installed.  When the system booted up I didn't have the choice of XP or 98,
it went to XP.  I NEVER received any message that I needed to activate my
version.  I did discover the files I had on Windows 98 when I did a file
search.  My son told me I should re-install to free up hard drive space and
with help I found on the Microsoft site was able to complete the
installation and only have one operating system.  This time during
installation it didn't ask me for the 25 digit/number code and now every day
when I turn the computer on it tells me I need to activate Windows XP.  When
I click on the icon I get the message that it has already been activated.  I
now am getting the message that it will expire in 27 days.
>
> I called Gateway and explained my problem to them but they said that since
the computer wasn't a Gateway they couldn't help and told me to call
Microsoft.
>
> The first number I called I got someone that I believe wasn't in the
States because his English was VERY BAD and I had to keep spelling
everything.  He told me I needed to call an activation number.  It was an
automated service but when I hit the zero button on the phone I got a real
live person who spoke English with no foreign accent.  I explained my
problem to him, told him I had the OEM number and activation digit/number
from the hologram but he said I'd need assistance from Customer Support and
that there should be no problem.
>
> I was transferred to Customer Support only to be connected to another
person with a foreign accent who had trouble understanding my English.  I
gave her my OEM number and the activation code and after putting me on hold
for several times finally said I'd either have to check on the website for
assistance or get help for $35.  I had already checked the website and found
that I could get 2 incidents and unlimited installation support at no charge
and explained this to her but she kept insisting that I'd have to have the
paid support option or use Microsoft's Knowledge Base.  She couldn't explain
to me why the website said I could get 2 incidents and unlimited
installation support at no charge.
>
> I tried calling the activation number again today and this time was
transferred to Technical Support and unfortunately it was another person
with a foreign accent.  It seems that Microsoft is routing their calls
overseas where labor is cheaper.  This rep told me since my software has an
OEM number that I'd have to call for pay help since it is software from
Gateway.  If I do have to spend the $35 to get assistance, can someone
assure me that I'll be able to get my Windows XP activated?  I don't want to
be out $35.  Will I be able to do this over the Internet since it seems that
each time I call I get someone with a foreign accent who is very hard to
understand.
>
> I found something on eBay but don't know if it will help.  The description
is WINDOWS KEY CODE DISK 98 98SE ME 2000 XP HOME PRO This is a product key
code Viewer Changer Utility for Windows 98 / 98se / Me / XP Home XP Pro 2000
Pro If you lost your original key code and need to Restore or Reinstall
Windows 98/98se/Me/XP/2000 This Will Work.  This utility disk will Decode
and display the original Alpha Numeric Product Key Code used when windows
was installed on your computer.  This updated utility will even let you
change the key code
>
> Suggestions, other than to never listen to my son?  Advise?
>
>