RIPOFF

[cda]

Has anyone had this experience with XP ?

I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at a time/separately, and the regis
tration notification keeps comming up. I called a rep and was told the above.

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Back up a bit - what registration notice? Were you able to install your OEM
copy of WinXP on the new drive?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Win98 Help - www.rickrogers.org

"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
> for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
> disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one
> at a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up.
> I called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[AnnonUser]

cda wrote:

>Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
>I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at a time/separately, and the regi
stration notification keeps comming up. I called a rep and was told the above.
>

I had to install a new hard drive and was able to activate XP on the
phone. I have an OEM XP.

[Harry Ohrn]

Your problem is not a Microsoft related problem. I, as many others, often
connect 2 or more drives on the same computer and often swap out drives.
Connect the old drive jumpered as "Slave" on the primary controller or as
"Master" or "Slave" on the secondary controller. You should reformat the
drive though once you've booted into Windows.
--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp


"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
> for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
> disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one
> at a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up.
> I called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[E McCann]

The old drive was formatted? Even if it's not, it shouldn't matter - I've
done the same before without having to do anything out of the ordinary
(normal install.)

"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.631 / Virus Database: 404 - Release Date: 3/17/2004

[CWatters]

"AnnonUser" > wrote in message
...
> cda wrote:
>
> >Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
> >
> >I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
> >
>
> I had to install a new hard drive and was able to activate XP on the
> phone. I have an OEM XP.

I replaced my hard drive and I don't even remember having to activate! I've
got WinXP PRO OEM.

[CWatters]

"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable
> storage for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this.
> It's an OEM disk that came with the new unit.

You mean you purchased Windows XP Pro/Home OEM with the new hard drive? or
it was installed on the original HD by your supplier?

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>

[Bob Harris]

Usually an OEM copy of XP supports a full installation, such as would be
required in case your hard drive dies. Sometimes this is bundled into what
they call a restoration CD, which alos installs whatever else came with the
computer. In contrast, a retail copy of XP supports a "repair"
installation, as well as a full installation.

As far as "registration", be very careful about the words you use, relative
to those you see on the screen, if you want accurate help. If it asks you
to register, that is optional. If it ask you to "activate", that is not
optional, since that is the copywrite protection for XP, and Microsoft is
very particular about such things. Normally OEM versions of XP are
pre-activated at the factory, and they are often tied to the BIOS. Thus,
you can usually change anything, except the motherboard, and not have to
re-activate. Retail copies of XP use a complex alogithm to determine that a
single copy of XP has not been installed on two separate computers. But, in
practice this amounts to much the same thing, especially if your motherboard
has a network card.

So if it is "registration", skip or do it as you please. If it is
"activation", do it and hope that it works. If on-line activation fails, it
should give you an 800 number to call. I had to do this once, because I
change too many things too fast on a retail copy, and I was soon
re-activated. The Microsoft representative was actually quite helpful and
friendly. However, be aware that they will not permit you to install an OEM
copy on a new PC, only on the original PC. A new hard drive should not
cause them to consider it a new PC, but a new motherboard certainly will.

However, it is also possible that Microsoft will tell you to contact your
OEM supplier (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq, HP, etc) for a new activation,
advice, etc. Realize that part of the "deal" when you bought a PC with OEM
software is that it comes with zero support from the software manufacturer.
The support is supposed to come from the PC maker, which is why OEM software
is cheaper. If you happen to have made this PC yourself, then you are the
"OEM" and may be stuck. If this is the case, your best bet is to buy a full
retail copy of XP, or at least a full retail upgrade (if you have a CD from
a qualifying earlier operating system, such as 98 or ME or 2000).
"cda" > wrote in message
...
> Has anyone had this experience with XP ?
>
> I bought a new drive, and intended to use my old as a removable storage
for both programs and files. Microsft will not allow this. It's an OEM
disk that came with the new unit. I tried loading them each again, one at
a time/separately, and the registration notification keeps comming up. I
called a rep and was told the above.
>
>
>
>