XP Corporate & Activation

[speedman]

I was talking to some guy at the computer store the other day!
Now he said there is no activation with the XP Corporate version!

1st. How does one go about getting this version?

2nd. What's to prevent someone from making copies of it and passing it around?

I'm confused why bother with activation if the above is true!

[Mntsnow]

Correct in that the Corporate version doesnt require MANUAL "activation" like normal Pro or Home editions do as it is already activated in the software install. The XP that is floating all over the net is a Corp version BUT what people dont acknowledge is that to get the UPDATES and such MS does log the IP and such of the downloader for updates (now I will also say that I dont think it will be in MS's time vs. money to come after a single end user and that is what everyone is banking on) but I will also say that MS has been known to BLOCK certain updates and even disallow updates from certain "copies/versions" of software.

So take it for what it's worth.

but now to answer your questions

1. Get a copy from your Company. (the company is legally liable for the software)

2. Nothing really in the small picture but read what I mention in the second half of my post above. (about updates and such)

[speedman]

I'm already using XP Home! But I was just wondering why they did not make everyone activate, Doesn't make any sense to me!

But hey they know what they are doing!..:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[NDC]

This is because the corp edition is used on more than one system. Tens or hundreds of systems can use the same install CD unlike the standard pro & home version of XP...

[speedman]

NDC

I understand that! But what is to prevent someone from burning a copy and spreading it like wildfire?

As this would defeat the activation theory!

Curious

[NDC]

I understand that! But what is to prevent someone from burning a copy and spreading it like wildfire?

It already has! There are many people running pirated copies of XP Pro corporate edition... And even if they do spread it like wildfire, it's very unlikely that this person will give the corporate CD key which can effect the company's copy of XP...

I've also heard that you can make retail versions of XP pro to corp edition simply by copying files or entering a master serial number of XP corp which will deactivate WPA on retail versions...

[speedman]

I look at it like all the money you pay for a good system whats another hundred bucks or so!

[vass0922]

Thats all well and fine, if you can afford "another hundred bucks or so" :rolleyes:

[FalcomPSX]

how about sending "another hundred bucks or so" my way? :devil:

[surrealchereal]

Seems from reading this, about all Microsoft has done is make the "average" computer user pay more. They had to have know some people would do this as soon as the corp edition was introduced. They also must have known the "average" user would never have an upgrad problem cause they don't upgrade.
I'm sure the "average" user is the bulk of their sales, so how much are they even really effected by the corporate pirating?
They say millions? I say a drop in the bucket.
Also have there been any class action suits over ME yet? Becuase it was such a rip off? :D They sure didn't refund any money over that stinker:eek:

[jadison]

Yes I wish something had been done regarding WinME, I made a bad choice by upgrading Win98SE to WinME. :mad:
But I'm in WinXP Pro Corp. now, so all is fine. I'm still transferring files and progs to WinXP from WinME which is a pain...but the overall transition has been made and I'm content. :)

[BBA]

I'm sure the "average" user is the bulk of their sales, so how much are they even really effected by the corporate pirating?


Well, your not exactly right there surreal. MS makes it BIG money on corporations. Not one OS sales, but licensing via per seat/per server.

As for Corporate not needing activation....thats because every installation of a corporate version will give MS it's hash number when anything is updated to/from MS. MS will audit each installation against it's license contract with a company and will bill the company accordingly.

In effect, if you give your corporate CD key to one of your friends, and he lets it out...you company could recieve a bill for thousands of licenses, and it comes back to being your fault.

So, having a coporate licensing cd itself is useless, unless you have the key.

[wizofid]

thats right! - the key is in the read me file on the disk - for those legal to use it! and the key is tied back to the corporation site lic -

the updates are worth it - Wiz