How does a software disc...

[IQChallenged]

This may seem off topic but I've knocked out my CNC by reformatting the HD. I built my CNC from a collection of old PC parts and I have no way of knowing (now) which computer donated the motherboard versus the hard drive, versus the CD-ROM, and so forth. I had XP installed. It was getting a little slow so I decided to reformat. Apparently the XP installation disc (the only one I have) doesn't match with the computer so it won't let me run for more than thirty days without another reformat. I have the key for the CD but the computer knows it's not the right one. What is it in a computer that pairs it with a particular CD? Is it the motherboard or the hard drive or something else? Is there a work-around or will I have to buy another computer or software package? Thanks

[HeritageAmps]

on a fresh install, there is nothing hardware related that "pairs it with a particular CD"... here's a link that will help nail down what the CDis you have:

http://www.infocellar.com/WinXP/oem-recover-retail.htm

you said you have the key for the CD you have, but the computer knows it's not the right one. if it were say an OEM key and say a retail CD, Windows will reject the key during the install. the key must match the "version" you have, i.e., OEM, Retail, Upgrade, etc. is it failing activation?

without physically seeing the label with the key on it and the CD, it will be difficult to help further.

[IQChallenged]

on a fresh install, there is nothing hardware related that "pairs it with a particular CD"...

Thanks for the input. What I have is a brownish cd that came from Dell with one of many computers I've bought over the years. The key is written on it. I thought it was the one I used to format the CNC a couple of years ago. But the computer thinks otherwise. At some point there has to be a pairing. Could the BIOS chip on the motherboard "know" which CD is licensed? I will go to the link you suggested and learn more.

[IQChallenged]

Okay. You're right. The computer doesn't know. MS does. When trying to activate (online of course) MS immediately recognizes the key as already being paired with another computer. But that still leaves me wondering how their system knows that I'm not on that computer, that I'm on a second one.

[Fixittt]

your right, the cd is machine specific. Dell recovery cd`s are coded to a tag number I think it is in the bios of the motherboard. This ensures that it is reloaded onto the dell specific machine. mainly because most recovery cd`s are river specific. What you can do is look at the sticker with the code on it. if its windows home it will say it in little black letters. Find someone who has a cd corresponding to the code you have. install and use your code. This is not pirating in anyway. As long as you have the valid code. You may have to call microsoft and explain to them that you had to reformat the drive because the code on the authentication server may still be register.

[TOTALLYRC]

your right, the cd is machine specific. Dell recovery cd`s are coded to a tag number I think it is in the bios of the motherboard. This ensures that it is reloaded onto the dell specific machine. mainly because most recovery cd`s are river specific. What you can do is look at the sticker with the code on it. if its windows home it will say it in little black letters. Find someone who has a cd corresponding to the code you have. install and use your code. This is not pirating in anyway. As long as you have the valid code. You may have to call microsoft and explain to them that you had to reformat the drive because the code on the authentication server may still be register.

My experience with dell machines is that dell has a special identifier coded into the bios. A dell disk will install on a dell machine and will not normally have to be activated. The disk is not coded to a specific machine, it is however coded to a bios that has a dell identifier inside it. The large OEM's do it this way as it is faster and easier. If your computer case has a valid, only used by you on this one computer,cd key sticker on it, there really isn't a problem. Call microsoft and explain the problem. I did something similar with vista and had no problems.

They have also changed how you can istall xp with service pack 3, It allows you to install xp without a cd key. Install a copy of xp service pack 3 and then when it is time to activate call microsoft with your cd key number and explain to the nice person what the problem is. You will only be able to use the cd key on one computer, and if it is an oem cd key it will have to be on a computer made by that oem. If it is an builders pack cd key, you had better be trying to install it on the motherboard that it was originally installed on. A builder pack copy of xp was sold at a discount and is not able to be installed on different computers if the computer dies. I have heard that you can sometimes be allowed to install it on a second computer after the first died if it has been several years since the first was built and you beg nicely.

hope this helps, Mike.

P.S. Your mileage may vary. If anyone is trying to get around the microsft activation it is not worth the trouble.

[TOTALLYRC]

Okay. You're right. The computer doesn't know. MS does. When trying to activate (online of course) MS immediately recognizes the key as already being paired with another computer. But that still leaves me wondering how their system knows that I'm not on that computer, that I'm on a second one.

The activation process id very sneeky. upon installation xp generates a code based on the specific components that are in that computer at that time. Even 2 computers built from identical components can generate a different code.

That is how Microsoft knows. If you read thru the agreement before pressing f8, I think it alludes to some of this.

That is why many people use win2k, as it has none of this type of antipiracy protection. However if Microsft decides to audit you and they gain access to where your computers are , you had better have a seperate cd key sticker or other means of proving that you are entitled to be using as many copies of their operating systems as you are.

This is the one of the main reasons many people are switching to linux.

For those of you who don't have a legal copy of ms windows, you can go to your local pc supply house and get an inexpensive computer for cheap. I picked up a 2 gig p4 with 512ram and 30gig harddrive for $200 with winxp already loaded. it is a Dell box and it has the cd key right on it. All he has to do is use any Dell cd disk to install a fresh copy of xp and you are legal as they allow 1 computer w/cd key to have 1 copy of windows on it.
For comparison a builders copy of xp pro is $139 and you still have to build a copmuter around it.
Mike

[IQChallenged]

Thanks to everyone for all the input. This has been very interesting. I'm going to carefully study the transcripts to make sure I understand all the angles. I'll probably end up buying a cheap computer so as to get a new XP license with very few dollars spent on a computer to go with it.

[ger21]

If you're buying it to use the license on another PC, you may not be able to. If they have any left, NewEgg was selling XP home OEM copies for $89.

[IQChallenged]

If you're buying it to use the license on another PC, you may not be able to. If they have any left, NewEgg was selling XP home OEM copies for $89.

No. I would be using the whole computer for my CNC. Of course, I would first compare the cost/benefit of getting an entire cheap computer versus an $89 version of XP. Even a cheap computer today is probably far better than the oldie that I am using. Wait a minute though. Just thought of a problem. New computers may not have a parallel port. That would force me to convert my system to USB. Hmmm.

[LeeWay]

Not necessarily. You can pick up a two port card for about $20. Singles maybe a little less. This is what I am using on my mill.
Works great.



My house laptop died. This is LOML's computer. I just bought her a desktop to replace it yesterday from Wally World for $298. It is a small form Emachine.
No PPort, but as I mentioned it could be added. It comes with XP Home installed. Speakers, keyboard and mouse. Not a bad deal.

[IQChallenged]

Not necessarily. You can pick up a two port card for about $20. Singles maybe a little less. This is what I am using on my mill.
Works great.

Great! I'll keep that in mind. We seem to be in an era of computer downgrading (parallel ports, XP instead of Vista, etc.)