I recently had to phone up Microsoft To activate a copy after a Clean Install. If i get the activation code over the phone then how do they get my hardware information. Does windows check to see when i have an internet connection to send the info? Thanks
#2. "RE: Trying To Understand Phone Activation" In response to ZakBob (Reply # 0)
From XP Help and Support:
To activate Windows by phone: 1. The Windows Product Activation Wizard is located in System Tools. To open a system tools item, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click the appropriate icon., then click Activate Windows.
2. Follow the activation instructions that appear on your screen.
Method 2: 1. Alternatively, you can open the Windows Product Activation wizard by clicking Start, then Run, and type in "oobe/msoobe /a".
2. If you do not have a modem or an Internet connection, you can activate your copy of Windows by calling a Microsoft customer service representative. Activating Windows is fast and does not require your name or other personal information.
3. If you have not yet activated Windows XP, you can initiate activation at any time by clicking the Windows Activation icon in the system tray. Once you have activated Windows XP, this icon disappears from the system tray.If you choose not to activate now, reminders will appear periodically during the next 30 days. After that time has expired, you will be required to activate in order to continue to use Windows.
#3. "RE: Trying To Understand Phone Activation" In response to ZakBob (Reply # 0)
"how do they get my hardware information" Well, when you go through the seclection to activate by phone, a screen will open giving you the number to call and there is a set of numbers for you to enter by using the keypad on your phone. I had to do this when I upgraded my 120 day copy with my production copy. You will then be given a set of numbers for you to enter in the boxes that are displayed on your computer screen. It takes about 4 minutes to do this.