I just read a post on this thread that an oem version doesn't require activation as it is locked into the computer and cannot be used on another so that is probably why i have never hit this problem.
Slán
~M

>That's also interesting. Both my Home version and the Pro I have required activation.
>
>>I do remember hearing at the time that activation may or may not be included on some shipments of xp so maybe the version i have was one of those that didn't need to be activated.
>>Slán
>>~M
>>
>>>That's interesting. My understanding is that an unactivated machine will "self-destruct" in some manner at the end of the grace period ( ~30 days? ).
>>>
>>>>I have an xp machine in here but have never activated it, its running about 18 months with numerous restarts and never a problem. probably jinxed myslef now:)
>>>>Slán
>>>>~M
>>>>
>>>>>I recently upgraded my main home machine from WinXP Home to Pro. This leaves my XP Home version eligible to install on my secondary machine which currently has Win98SE on it. Question is, how do I "deactivate" the activation for the computer XP Home was on so I can apply the activcation to the second machine since MS will reject the attempt to activate XP on the second machine due to different hardware, etc. Is there a procedure for this? Does MS have to be contacted, etc.?
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks,
>>>>>Bill