what happens when WindowsXP activation stops working
Just a thought, and you may have thought of this before, so if you have, bear with me. When you buy an OEM version of WindowsXP service pack 2, you have to “validate” it against Microsoft’s server, either over the web, or on the phone.What happens when Microsoft either A) decides to no longer support this authentication, B)closes down, it could happen or C)suffers some sort of catasrophe that prevents validation from occuring?
Granted, new versions of Windows will undoubtedly be made, but some businesses are still using WindowsNT or even Windows98. They probably shouldn’t be, but they did buy it and can use those versions as long as they want. WindowsXP, unless bought from an OEM has to be validated or it will quit working.
When Microsoft pulls the plug, or it is cut, your WindowsXP can’t be reinstalled.
This doesn’t just affect Microsoft Windows, Office, and such. It also affects DRM in music files. If your “license to enjoy” can’t be verified, it won’t work. Just see what happened to Sony’s Connect music store . It’s closing down, and your music files purchased there will no longer play. You are no longer licensed to enjoy that music.
[...] another note, remember the article I wrote a while back about Windows XP key activation? What happens when Microsoft shuts down those activation servers because they want you to buy the [...]
As a preventative measure, if you create a full backup of the partition which has Windows installed (using a tool like PING: http://ping.windowsdream.com/), then you will be able to restore that image without needing to re-activate and it will be like a fresh install (depending on when you made the backup). However, you can’t change too many system components in-between (processor, RAM, video card), or else it may throw the activation message again. This method would work pretty well – as long as you have a backup to go to.
I realize this isn’t a perfect solution, but it helps to mitigate this risk if this scenario occurs.