Hi,

I have had windows xp for about 3 years now.
This week I went to reformat my computer and it crashed on me after I reactivated it so I had to do it again.

So when it came to activating this time is came up an error saying "this code has been used to many times"? why is this? I have the original disk and code - so how has it been used to much?

What do I do?

Charlie

If it is pro then I think they may only allow 1 activation within a years time (thats complete speculation though). I know home edition has a bit more lenience. You will simply have to activate by phone though.

I had a similiar problem with Office 2003 when I bought a new computer. I called Microsoft and they didn't give me any problems, just gave me the info to re-activate it. As I recall I was pretty impressed because the entire phone call took me less than 15 mintues.

I just went through this today, as a matter of fact. On the activation screen click on where it says something about activate via telephone, a real long number will be displayed along with a phone number. Call 'em up, if they ask why you're re-activating just tell them you had to re-load Windows on your box and they'll give you the code you need to activate. Takes all of about 10 minutes. The longest part is reading the long number to them.

It's a real hassle Charlie! A couple of weeks ago I had to call three times in one week to activate, due to replacing hardware in one computer a few weeks ago. Then just reactivated once on the other computer last week due to changing hardware. I was told last year from Microsoft anytime you change a piece of hardware you will have to reactivate, which is a lot of nerve since one has paid for the software and has the code numbers.

Hopefully by now you have it all straightened out.......

Well, I had that problem for a while, but found out that if I register when I activate I will be able to active no matter if I change hardware.

Yup, Microsoft is fine about this.

I've even had a problem when my XP key wasn't "genuine" (for some reason) and they also fixed it for me! At this point, I think they're focused on selling Vista.

Microsoft is user friendly but when it comes to service its so complicated.
For each n every issue we have to go through so many procedures.

If you are not using a cracked version you can call Microsoft call center. They are good about this kind of problems.

Hello,
Yes this is common problem with Windows PRO. I have this operating system on 2 of my 3 PC's. And I am always updating, IE Adding RAM, Video Cards and stuff of that nature. And on my Windows XP Pro computers, alot of times when I add new hardware, I have to re activate this each and every time, so I have to end up calling them all the time, and they are very friendly with this as long as it is a real copy and not a cracked version.

call the Microsoft Customer Support. it will help you solved your problem ..