Activating Windows in Parallels.

robotbrycerobotbryce
Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
When I try to activate windows in Parallels after I enter in my CD key, it comes up with;

"According to our records, the number of time you can activate Windows with this product key has been exceeded. Please enter a different product key, and then click Retry..."

I have a legal copy of Windows XP SP2, which I am currently using on my PC under the same cd key. But I thought you were allowed to use the same cd key for all computers in the same house? I could be wrong, correct me if I am. I have also used the same cd to reformat the same PC 2 or 3 times. Does each time I reactivate it on the same PC after I reformat count towards as using my limited chances up for the CD key? I also have Windows Media Center, which I have only used the key once on another PC. Could I use that key for Parallels? I hope this all makes sense...

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 4
    gwoodpeckergwoodpecker Posts: 367member
    Depending on what you add to your computer (graphics card, RAM, change mainboard etc.), Windows thinks it has been installed on a different computer, therefore requiring re-activation.



    The whole activation stuff is really stupid, if you ask me...
  • Reply 2 of 4
    palterpalter Posts: 98member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RobotBryce


    When I try to activate windows in Parallels after I enter in my CD key, it comes up with;

    "According to our records, the number of time you can activate Windows with this product key has been exceeded. Please enter a different product key, and then click Retry..."

    I have a legal copy of Windows XP SP2, which I am currently using on my PC under the same cd key. But I thought you were allowed to use the same cd key for all computers in the same house? I could be wrong, correct me if I am. I have also used the same cd to reformat the same PC 2 or 3 times. Does each time I reactivate it on the same PC after I reformat count towards as using my limited chances up for the CD key? I also have Windows Media Center, which I have only used the key once on another PC. Could I use that key for Parallels? I hope this all makes sense...



    If the copy of XP you're using on the original PC is an OEM version (i.e., came from the manufacturer of the PC) rather than a retail version (i.e., a boxed version you purchased separately), you are only allowed to use it on the original PC and Windows activation will enforce that restriction.
  • Reply 3 of 4
    lundylundy Posts: 4,466member
    This sounds like an opportunity for someone to clone the ID information from a real PC to the virtual PC created by Parallels. You could have Parallels return any hardware information to Windows that you want. MAC address b9 5e 0d fc ae 01 8e f2? No problemo. Graphics card and mobo serial number? CPU serial number and model number? No problem..
  • Reply 4 of 4
    robotbrycerobotbryce Posts: 9member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by palter


    If the copy of XP you're using on the original PC is an OEM version (i.e., came from the manufacturer of the PC) rather than a retail version (i.e., a boxed version you purchased separately), you are only allowed to use it on the original PC and Windows activation will enforce that restriction.



    Yeah I have a OEM version.



    What will happen after the 30 days expires? Couldn't I just reinstall windows and start over from 30 days again? Would I be able to use a OEM version of Windows Media Center, or would Mac not recognize it?
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