Have built 14 new computers for work. Initially purchased 4 xp pro oem disks and loaded 12 computers using the 4 coa supplied, with the thought in mind that you have 30 days to register and you could change the coa at the register screen by phoning them up. Have since purchased 10 more Xp pro oem (damn sight cheaper - but takes longer to come). Registered 2 additional machines (on friday 10th) using 2 of the coa from my last batch of 10 - no problems. Come to register some additional machines yesterday (fri 18th), 1st time I tried I was told my install i.d was invalid, doublechecked I had put in the right coa number (yes). Suggested I tried another number. So went thru the procedure of changing the coa id whilst still still had ms girlie on the phone read out the new instal no. to her over the phone - still invalid. She suggested to re-install the software with the new no. (sod that - theres a sh*t load of other software on there aswell). Bid her farewell. Tried another computer and another fresh xp pro number - Got exactly the same thing. Already re-registered 2 xp computers (week before)using this batch of new disks/coa, so it can't be a dodgy batch although they were cheap (£55ea). Tried a third time only to be told - by 'some bloke' that I was not authorised to purchase oem software as I was not a 'Lisenced computer builder' - after trying to explain that as far as I was concerned as long as I was using a brand new pc (fresh built- all new components inc. case) that that was bull.... . Before I bid him farewell, he did tell me that microsoft have started to audit all new registrations !! Am I doing something wrong here. Or is microsoft shafting me after paying them good money.

Oh, man. No offense, but this activation thing is so damn annoying. I know exactly what you mean. I honestly think Microsft should let go of this activation thing. It's too "Big Brother" like and it's like we paid alot yet we can't even install without activating (okay, 30 days, but that's not too long). I know that activation is anonymous and all. Still, I've heard many horror stories. I just don't like it. Sorry I couldn't be of too much help... was merely expressing my opinion. anDrew

First, a note to Andy11: Registration is NOT SO ANONYMOUS. We know that when you activate XP not only does the activation # get transferred to them, but also the serial # of your computer. What I've always wondered is; What else gets transfered that we don't know about. lateknight: Call me stupid but I am not sure I understand this. An OEM disk is a general program and setup disk that comes from a computer manufacturer. IBM for example does not BUY OEM disks because they can't...they don't exist. An OEM disk is a custom disk created by the computer maker and it is specific to the relative computer. There is no such thing as a 'UNIVERSAL OEM DISK' that one can buy. Maybe I have totally misunderstood your words, but it sounds to me like somebody's ripping you off with fake disks.

You need one COA for each computer or a bulk license with one COA for each computer. You cannot activate XP with one COA on 4 computers. Computers have no "serial number" unless the builder assigns one. You can easily disable the processor serial number in the BIOS and most boards are shipped that way anyway. If you build a machine there is only as much information on it as the builder supplied. Generic hardware details have no personal bearing on anyone. OEM CD do exist, I buy them all the time. All OEM means is that it does not come in a fancy box with a manual. You get a quick start guide, a CD and the COA w/sticker. Big companies create their own versions to suit their needs but registered OEM builders have the exact same tools to do the same if they wish. Only registered OEM builders are supposed to purchase OEM CD's from OEM vendors and then only with approved hardware. If you buy them elsewhere you take your chances. To register with MS an an OEM all it takes is a good deal of paperwork and a bit of patience. Same goes for registering with approved vendors. Jimi_l

Dear Lateknight, I see nothing wrong with what you have done however OEM disks should still have all the Micro$oft licences and holographic disk. If you have an OEM microsoft Image installer disk you might be in a spot of bother as these are imaged to particular machines which MS has issued licences for. An example of this is a business with 500 identical machines that needs a tailored image to be installed for ease of a mass install purpose. I'm not quite sure which one you have but if the OEM disk is the one with the holographic microsoft logo then your disks are good and should fire up and activate as these disk are exactly the same as the non OEM but with greater licencing flexibility. Your inability to register could stem from someone else having registered your serial key (ie) stolen it from the original disk which you have purchased. This may have been because stolen software from stores can be reported from the victimised storeowner, as they have the documentation and batch no. for the software and microsoft can then cancel the registration of the codes thus rendering them useless to the person who has purchased it from another retailer who received them on the sly(from the back of a truck so to speak). Go to the retailer and demand your money back or report the store to Microst and demand for restitution. Regards Soldano Work Is The Rent We Pay For The Space We Occupy On Earth AMD Athlon XP2500 Codegen 550W P/S Gigabyte GA-8KNXP 1 Gig ECC-DDRAM 2x200gig SATA Seagate HDD Pioneer A06 DVD Burner

Have built 14 new computers for work...only to be told - by 'some bloke' that I was not authorised to purchase oem software as I was not a 'Lisenced computer builder' Microsoft used to have Are You a System Builder? website with link to OEM System Builder website. For some reason, this website has been replaced by Microsoft Partner Program (CLICK ME) Read how volume licensing can help build your business (according to M$). Good Luck :-) i_XpUser

jimi_1: I think there is a simple mix up in the lingo. What your talking about is a VENDOR DISK. Companies like IBM purchase vendor disks from Microsoft, Norton, yadda yadda, and the programs on the vendor disks are then used in conjuction with all the specific drivers and such to create an OEM disk. That's the language in my part of the world anyway. And yes, the particulars of your computer ARE in fact sent to Microsoft when you activate. You can re-install windows on the same computer 1000 times on not have one activation problem. But try installing on a different computer ONCE and see what happens. How do you think they figure this out??!!