BuildOrBuy Group Network
[ www.buildorbuy.org | www.buildorbuy.net ] 

WinXP, Windows Product Activation:

Microsoft Product Activation

Update: This link was shared with us on ExtremeTech User Forums: What's Wrong With Product Activation (3/13/2002).

WPA Product Key (wpa.dbl in system32 Dir): 

OEM installations will apparently link to Bios while retail copies are penalized. WPA tied to 7 hardware items. WPA reset after 120 days. Product Activation vs. Registration? Activation is required, Registration is optional.

Software Piracy, is that the real issue? Is the real issue about support? Do they want our money or our business? Resistance Is Futile? Assimilated? Not likely - Resist!

Copy Protection - EQMag.com (June, 2001)

WPA Top Ten

1. Display adapter
2. SCSI adapter (if found)
3. IDE adapter
4. Network adapter MAC address (if available)
5. RAM amount range
6. Processor type
7. Processor serial number
8. Hard drive
9. Hard drive volume serial number
10. CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM

More On - Windows Product Activation:

1. Technical Details on Microsoft Product Activation for Windows XP

2. Shiver me timbers by Brian Livingston: October 19, 2001

3. Activation, anyone? by Brian Livingston: October 12, 2001

4. Windows XP Product Activation

5. Annoyances.org - How do I skip the Product Activation in Windows XP

6. BoycottXP.com Information and Motivation

7. Tweaking Toolbox for Windows - Windows-Help.NET

8. Windows XP - Windows-Help.NET

9. PCWorld.com - Loophole Emerges With Windows XP Copy Controls - (Monday, September 03, 2001)

   See: 120 Day Loophole & Additional Family License Program (Multilicense Price Break) - A Microsoft Convenience OR Customer Aggravation?

10. From Milt Gugenheim: TheRegister.com: MS loosens XP WPA some more, to offer - (9-3-2001)
    

11. BBC News | SCI/TECH | Piracy problems stain Windows XP - (July 20 , 2001)
    
12. TheRegister.co.uk - WinXP product activation cracked - totally, horribly, fatally - (07-17-2001)
    
13. extremetech.com - Poll: Will you still buy XP with Windows Product Activation (WPA)?
    
14. tecChannel.com: Windows Product Activation compromised  First Tests... - (7-16-2001)
    • HD VolumeID Tool -

15. enterprise.cnet.com: License plan won't thwart theft - (6-26-01)
    

16. windows2000.about.com: Microsoft Product Activation Guide picks -
    
17. arstechnica.com: Windows Product Activation: an early look -
    
18. Windows XP: XP cracked, bypassed or just plain fooled? - Link Gone! (5-23-2001)
    
19. Microsoft Anti-Piracy Solutions Extended to Upcoming Versions... (2-2-2001)

10 things you need to know before you upgrade: 

• From Gus Hrncir: CNet.com - What's the deal with product activation? - See: #1!

1. 302806 - Description of Microsoft Product Activation: MPA - Description of Microsoft Product Activation.

   WPA – Uses port 80 and 443

   Test your browser for open ports using the following:
   www.microsoft.com:80 or www.microsoft.com:443

    

2. aumha.org - Windows Product Activation (WPA)

3. www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation

4. www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/windowsproductactivationtechnicalmarketbulletin.doc

5. www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSXP/pro/evaluation/overviews/activation.asp

6. Activation - Windows XP Product Activation

7. WPA Resource Center - www.licenturion.com/xp/ (Berlin, Germany, July 9, 2001)
   

8. Windows Product Activation compromised - (7-16-2001)
   
9. Microsoft Product Activation on PressPass -

Question Of The Day: Are you ready to activate Windows XP? Do you Feel Lucky Punk?