Microsoft to Disable Online Windows Activation

CasterPod writes "As of February 28, Windows users who purchased their PC will no longer be able to reinstall without calling Microsoft and answering a series of questions. The move is part of an anti-piracy effort to close 'a loophole that enabled unscrupulous resellers to use Windows XP product keys that were stolen from large OEMs.' Specifically, Certificate of Authenticity (COA) labels on PCs are often unused because OEMs preinstall Windows and bypass product activation. The product keys can therefore be stolen and reused. First WGA, and now this."

Comments

Thanks A Lot

[wynand1004]

Thanks guys, thanks a lot

As if installing windows isn't enough of a headache. I had to reinstall windows in Japan, and let me tell ya, my Japanese isn't what it should be.

On a side note, I envy the Mac people here in that they can seamlessly switch between English and Japanese versions of their OS just by setting a preference.

In windows land, it's purchase both or suffer. Now more activation heedaches.

Thanks guys, thanks a lot.

call center

[chocochip]

Due to a bad Adaptec PCI card (SATA interface to my hard drives) which was corrupting the hard drives, I've had to reinstall XP Pro on my primary worksation a lot lately. I took 3 re-installs to track down the problem. Each time, when I tried online activation, it would say the number of installs for the license key had been exceeded and I needed to call. So I call in, give them a very long string of numbers, they ask "why you are installing, how many computers has it been installed on, etc." Needless to say, this is pi**ing me off! I'll do everything possible to avoid Microsoft in the future! I've already purchased an Apple Powerbook.

Re:Great. Just what I want to do.

[tehshen]

I know you were being sarcastic, but what about impossible-to-clean spyware? If stuff like this gets widespread some users won't have a choice, and Microsoft doesn't look set on making the install process any easier.

Re:Good Move Microsoft!!!!

[rahlquist]

I recently had to call MS to activate Office 2003 (too many installs). It took me nearly 25 minutes to get through to the nice (english is my second language) woman I spoke with. While she was quite helpful and only asked once (why so many installs) I still felt like I had been dragged down town and put under birght lights to be interrogated. This will be a wonderful experience for everyone, why, once we all know what criminals feel like, then none of us will be tempted will we?