http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_Closes_Activation_Loophole/1109293194
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What this means: If your computer came with a pre-installed copy of Windows, and you want to reinstall it for whatever reason (Formatting your HD, Windows getting f'ed up, whatever), you have to not only go through the absolute nightmare that is most Windows installations, but then you get to sit in a MS Tech Support queue for who knows how long, answer a series of questions, etc.

Considering my quarterly format for both computers is coming up [once every three months I wipe both computers clean, reinstall what I need, and go about my business], now looks to be the perfect time for me to switch to Linux, since I am *NOT* sitting on the phone to go through TWO phone activations (both copies of Windows are OEM copies) -> The product support for the Wine Project grows daily anyway.

Please note: This whole cockamamy thing doesn't apply to the retail UPGRADE editions - I don't think.

i've had to do that about 5 or 6 times while doing various upgrades (mobo, cpu, video, hdd etc) if you have your cd key handy it only takes about 3 minutes.

it's a pain in the butt, but what can you do?

I've been on the fence about a Linux switch anyway for some time now....I think this just tips the balance...I just DON'T want to spend time on the phone to do something that, at WORST, I should have to do in five to ten seconds online. (and something I really SHOULDN'T have to do at all)

Sounds like I'd just buy a different computer.

i've had to do that about 5 or 6 times while doing various upgrades (mobo, cpu, video, hdd etc) if you have your cd key handy it only takes about 3 minutes.

it's a pain in the butt, but what can you do?

It's funny. I got a (legit) ;) copy back when it first came out, and I really haven't had that many problems. Used it on three different systems, but only had to call once, when my first computer tanked and it didn't want to activate. I told them what happened and they gave me a code without any further discussion.

They must have eased up on their activation triggers or something, because I've had it on a P-MMX/233, then a K6/266, then a K6-2/500, then a P2/266, and finally on my current Athlonxp/2080. Only had a problem when switching from the first computer to the second. All the other times I've used web activation.

Please note: This whole cockamamy thing doesn't apply to the retail UPGRADE editions - I don't think.

No, it's just for OEMs. They want the manufacturers to pre-activate so there would be, in theory, no need for the OEM cd-keys (of course forgetting reinstalls, ect). Their argument is that the majority of pirated XP keys are OEMs.

Of course, (and it could very well be the cold meds talking), last time I checked a lot of the copies were the activation-less corporate copies.