Lisa Baxter wrote:
> PROBLEM:
> I've reinstalled XP numerous times (see below why) & activated
> online with no problems. Recently, after a reinstall , when I go to
> activate, I get a message that reads "cannot activate - product key
> used too many times". I then have to go through the touble of
> calling MS and have them issue me an activation code (which I've
> done 5 times already). I find it annoying to have to activate by
> phone. Why has XP stopped activating over the net, and why the
> activation message?
> NUMEROUS REINSTALLS:
> I'm currently enrolled in an A+ certification course. I'm Learning
> many methods to clean install XP such as on single & multiple
> partitons senarios, Multi OS's, network installations, automated
> installs using answer files. Using my practice PC, I use a
> purchased XP Pro Upgrade (I have Windows 98 CD for proof of
> upgrade).

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> Wait 121 days and try to activate over the Internet. What that
> message is telling you (actually) is that you have tried to
> activate too many times in too short of a timeframe.
>
> As for your reason for numerous installs. Neat.

Lisa Baxter wrote:
> WOW STAN! YOUR FAST!
> I wish MS responded as fast as you did (less than 10 min later).
> Thankyou for you response & advise. I sense from your answer MS
> has that waiting period for a reason, and I can assume what they
> might be, so it makes sense to me now. Well, I'm gonna finish my
> coffee now, and create a new xp unattended install answer file as
> set fourth in chapter 16 of my class book, wipe the drive &
> re-install again. Well, on the brightside, I'm getting very
> proficient at activating XP over the phone....gigle.....

gls858 wrote:
> Keep in mind you have 30 days to activate. If you're doing several
> installs in a short time just don't activate.

Good Call, gls858!
I'd take that advice if I were you, Lisa.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html