Quick question about windows - Overclock.net

scarmulan · 03-09-06

If someone could just burn the installation CD from a friend and use the product key that came with it to install (and activate) windows on their own computer, then why would anyone buy it? Am I missing something?

Zipnogg · 03-09-06

You won't be able to d/l the SP2 and required updates.

SP2 is needed for proper maintenance and security of your computer.

ati_guy · 03-09-06

Activation....

scarmulan · 03-09-06

Quote:

Originally Posted by ati_guy

Activation....

But it is activated.

sccr64472 · 03-09-06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zipnogg

You won't be able to d/l the SP2 and required updates.

SP2 is needed for proper maintenance and security of your computer.

Why do you say you couldn't download SP2? You can download it from Guru3d among other places on the net. You could also download it directly from Microsoft.

scarmulan · 03-09-06

Couldn't someone just use the SP2 Disc as well?

CertainDeath · 03-10-06

As I have been told.. there are two things that are intended to prevent you from using a friend's installation disk and product key.

1. As a others have already mentioned... Windows XP requires activation within 30 days.

2. I've been told during the activation process, MS takes note of your hardware configuration... and stores this in a DB, along with the Product Key. Thus, everytime you try to install off that particular Key it checks the last configuration.

I actually had an issue when I tried to reinstall windows on my machine after updating several components simulataneously. I had to call up MS Product Support to fix it.

Also, Windows offers a XP install disk that includes SP2

Zipnogg · 03-10-06

Quote:

Originally Posted by sccr64472

Why do you say you couldn't download SP2? You can download it from Guru3d among other places on the net. You could also download it directly from Microsoft.

As for me, activation went very smoothly. When it came to d/l'ing updates from MS, I couldn't do it. So I had to do something. *backdoor*

sccr64472 · 03-10-06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zipnogg

As for me, activation went very smoothly. When it came to d/l'ing updates from MS, I couldn't do it. So I had to do something. *backdoor*

Without taking this discussion somewhere it doesn't need to go, I live roughly 20 minutes from Microsoft headquarters and have several friends that get "special" discs with no cd key. (given out by Microsoft, 100% legit) I've used these before and have had no problem going through authentication and downloading updates. I would assume no cd key would work the same as a valid cd key, but maybe not.

Fishie36 · 03-10-06

It works fine as long as the cd key is the same version (eg. home pro) and same service pack (eg. sp1 sp2) as the disc.

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Quick question about windows

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