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No Bull Guide to Activating Windows By Phone

After reading Kevin Purdy’s nice little post on Lifehacker about copying one file to avoid the hassle of reactivating your Windows install, I thought I’d offer my pro tip on the subject.

How to answer the voice prompts or operator to get them to authorize your install if you have to phone.

Once you’ve picked your country, called in, and punched in all the digits from your screen, you’ll either be given an acitvation code or told “I’m sorry,” by Inoffensive Robot Operator Woman. One of two things will happen: you’ll be transferred to a live operator or the Robotess will begin probing you. Either way, your answers will be the same.

It is important to know which type of install you have - OEM or retail. If you have (or had) a pretty box, it’s retail. If you have a crummy CD with thermal printing on top and a legit Windows product key sticker on your tower, it’s OEM. Tell them it came preinstalled if you have an OEM copy.

Is this the first time you are installing the software? No. Even if it is, say no.

The next question may be worded two ways, so listen carefully. How many other machines is this copy of the software currently installed on? None. Why? Well, your license covers one install, so if it’s on the computer you’re trying to activate and anything else, you’re boned.

You may also be asked “How many computers has this copy of the software been installed on?” One. It’s a reinstall on the original machine. That’s your story, stick to it.

Have there been any changes to the system, such as a hard drive or motherboard replacement? Yes. If asked, your original motherboard died, you replaced it, and you had to reinstall.

I’ve had to call in more than a hundred machines over the last couple of years, and I’ve never been hassled about activation as long as I stick to the script. They haven’t gotten to the point of needing proof of the hardware failure yet, so until they do my method should serve you well.

Good luck - and don’t forget to tell me how you made out if you have to try this!

Tags: activation, windows   Posted in Unsightful Tips, Windows