Microsoft Disables Internet Product Activation on OEM PCs
By Alexander Grundner |
February 25th, 2005 
If you thought Microsoft was being too restrictive with their software activation procedures, wait until you read this. Microsoft has just announced that Windows XP users, who are considering reinstalling their OS on PCs purchased from any of the top 20 PC makers (i.e. Dell, HP, Gateway, etc.), must call a customer service representative to get a code that will reactivate their Windows XP system. Reason being, Microsoft has permanently disabled the Internet product activation feature on these systems as of February 28th.
“The main reason (for the change) is to address piracy in this area,” a Microsoft representative said on Thursday. “Microsoft has found various people selling the labels of authenticity that they have copied or have pulled off other PCs.”
Guess this is another good reason to build your own Windows PC, switch to Linux/Apple, or just disconnect yourself entirely from technology. In my opinion, this is a bad move for Microsoft. It’s going to cause frustration on the users’ end, and will lead to animosity towards the company as being one who cares more about the bottom line than making their products user-friendly (oh, wait… they have that problem already).
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