Hello all. I have Windows 2000 and am considering upgrading to XP (I read Vista has too many problems). In the year 2008, does Win XP still need to be activated? I ask because I often like re-installing many times to get a 'perfect' install (too much time on my hands), but am worried that after a few times they won't let me activate it anymore (even considering how you can wait 30 days or so to do it). I know my Office XP, after having it for a couple years, suddenly never asked about being activated again around 2006, no matter how many times I formatted/reinstalled my system. So I was hoping maybe WinXP might be the same Thanks a bunch everyone!

Wait a sec.. I think i have it technically wrong. Office XP DOES ask to be activated, but it causes no problems anymore to do so, whereas after a few installs in the first couple years, I would have to go through a big hassle of a phone call to get it going. So yea, I had that detail mixed up. So I guess activating is fine, I'm just hoping Microsoft doesn't get fussy with having it installed a few too many times. By the way, for the record, I am talking about a 100% legit copy, unused, bought legally.

I 'think' it should activate without a phone call if you just format and reinstall. Hardware changes is what sometimes causes a problem.

I think if 4 months pass after you install XP with a retail copy of Windows, then you can reinstall as many times as is practical. No questions asked nor phone calls required even if there are a good number of hardware changes. Only requirement is 4 months between installs and retail Windows, not OEM. Otherwise, you have to call MS. If you have OEM copy, then you are limited to the number of activations if there are significant hardware changes. This is what I know. Regards SuatCINI

formatting constantly won't do your hard drive any good. Also stick with Windows 2000, it's better lol. Medion MIM 2080 Toshiba T2130CT Macintosh Performa 450 All working wonderfully.

Ohh you answered a question I had but had forgotten... so, all else being equal, it's better to get a normal retail version versus OEM? Cool, now I know. The whole reason I'm considering upgrading is that the new World of WarCraft expansion needs XP. Otherwise, I would never bother. Thank you all!

Yeah I agree with Intel 80486, reinstalling often is too much unneeded wear and tear on your hard drive. WinSimple Software