Product Activation[]
Product Activation is a way for a Copy of Windows to be binded to a specific user's hardware. Let's take a few typical configurations:
Scenario 1[]
Machine #1:
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+
- Asus A8V Motherboard
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB SATA Hard Drive
- DVD-RW Drive
Machine #2:
- Intel Pentium 4 Northwood 2.4GHz
- Intel D845EBG2 Motherboard
- 1024MB RAM
- 200GB PATA Hard Drive
- CD-RW Drive
Now, Windows XP is already 'Activated' on Machine #1. By Activating the Machine, Windows XP has transmitted the CD-Key, along with the Hardware Details of Machine #1.
Windows XP will install on Machine #2, but when you try to activate Windows XP on Machine #2, Windows XP checks the hardware details stored on the Microsoft Server, with the Details culled by the Setup Program, and stored in the System Registry.
Details Stored include:
- Processor ID
- Motherboard ID
- BIOS ID and Version Numbers
- Hard Drive Details
- Optical Drive Details
- Video Adaptor Details
- RAM Size, Serial Number(s)
Scenario 2[]
Machine #1
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+
- Asus A8V Motherboard
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB SATA Hard Drive
- DVD-RW Drive
Machine #2
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+
- Asus A8V Motherboard
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB SATA Hard Drive
- DVD-RW Drive
Now, this is a subject of debate. If you have Identical Spec Components Installed, the only things differing being the Serial/ID Numbers, will Windows Activate. Seeing as Dell ship their Optiplexes with differing Product Keys, one would think this would not work.
Scenario 3[]
Machine #1
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+
- Asus A8V Motherboard
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB SATA Hard Drive
- DVD-RW Drive
Machine #2
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+
- Asus nForce 4 A8N-SLi Deluxe Motherboard
- 512MB RAM
- 80GB SATA Hard Drive
- DVD-RW Drive