"What Now" wrote:

On Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:34:43 -0800, What Now
wrote:

On Tue, 16 Dec 2008 09:03:02 -0800, Mark Adams
wrote:

I found this in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/892893. Maybe you can boot to
Recovery Console and replace Userinit.exe as explained in the article. On the
other hand, if you've already done a repair install with your retail CD and
used the product key that is also on your desktop, the deed is already done
and you will have a problem with activation if you have WGA on the desktop.

I didn't realize what WGA was when I first read this, but it's that
tool that MS uses to ensure the OS is not pirated, right? The last
time I tried to do updates on the desktop (8 months ago maybe), MS
said I could not get updates without using this verification tool. So
as much as I hated it, I allowed it. So yes, the desktop HAS been
scanned or whatever with the " Genuine Windows tool" if that's what
you're referring to here. I wish I hadn't done it. I didn't WANT to.
But I didn't know I had a choice.

If you don't have WGA on the desktop and it has been more than 120 days since
you last activated or validated, then the laptop should activate with the
same product key.

FTR, I never activated either OS. I use a tool to trick Windows into
thinking they're activated. Again, imo the anti-piracy tools MS uses
are a gross invasion of privacy, and I avoid them whenever possible.

Set Automatic Updates on both computers to "Notify me of
updates but do not download" and do not let WGA install on either computer.
All critical updates, patches, and service packs will still be available for
download.

Sorry... I'm a little lost. How can you [even manually] download the
update files that you need w/o letting MS verify that you're using
Genuine Windows? It was when I tried to DL updates manually for the
desktop that it would not let me proceed without pulling my pants
down.

Whenever I install XP, I install SP2 and SP3 before I install any drivers
for the mainboard. Then, before I go online I go to Control Panel, Automatic
Updates and set Windows to "Notify me of updates but do not install". I then
make sure the Windows firewall is turned on. Next, I put the chipset drivers,
video, LAN, audio, wireless- whatever drivers. Then I go online and activate
Windows. When the activation is done, within a miniute or two a little yellow
shield appears in the system tray that says there updates to install. Click
on the shield and a window opens that allows "Express install" or "Custom
install". DO NOT CLIK EXPRESS. That is how you install WGA. Click Custom and
another box opens that allows you to choose which updates to download and
install; uncheck the ones you don't want. If another box opens that says you
need to install an update before continuing, that's WGA. This is probably
what you saw when you tried to update. Scroll down a little further and you
will see a description of the install identifying it as WGA. Uncheck the box
and set the installer not to notify you of this update again. Once you clear
this hurdle, the rest of the updates become available and you can download
and install to your heart's desire. Always choose "Custom" when updates are
available. I'm guessing you can't get the updates because the hack you use to
disable activation also somehow disables the ability to update. Honestly, if
you have genuine product keys for both computers, you don't need the hack.
You don't really need to worry about WGA on the desktop either, unless you
are pirating the product key for other computers. I don't allow WGA on my
computers because I consider it to be a type of spyware that "phones home"
regularly. This is how WGA works, by constantly reactivating windows, 120
days can never pass so that key will be caught if it's put on another
computer. Some other Microsoft downloads like IE7 and Media Player 11 require
"validation" before download. I think this is the same thing as activation,
it checks to see if there has been a different computer activated with the
same key within the last 120 days, if there has, it won't allow the download.
I've never had a problem with activation, but I also have legit product keys
that came with the OS disks I've purchased. I hope this clears things up a
bit.