Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Voyeur]

I recently had XP 64 put on my machine when it was serviced here in Korea.

However, 3 days ago or so a message started to flash everytime I boot saying that I need to activate my windows in 4 days (has been counting down from 7 I think). It asks me if I want to activate, and when I click "yes" it flashes another screen that says windows is already activated. Yet still the annoying countdown persists.

How can I get rid of this? What would have started the countdown? Just time, or possibly when I accessed Microsoft's website to DL the web messenger? Can hitting MS's official site trigger any kind of anti-piracy stuff? I imagine my OS was cracked in some way so I wonder if going to MS website somehow triggered the registration call and the cracking is what tells me it is already activated. But then what will happen when the countdown reaches Zero - do I want to find out?

[tractor]

it's possible your vista serial# has been used more than the allotted limit(2 for vista, 10 for xp). just call the microsoft activation number ( 1577-9700 ) for korea and use their automated process to reset the activation limit ( serial number & activation code required ). when you call, wait until you hear the english automated voice.

[SuperHero]

Tractor, good call on the phone number.

[Voyeur]

I have to assume that this is a cracked copy. When I fixed my machine and upgraded to 4 GB of ram last month the Korean tech just put it on for me.

He hasn't answered my e-mail about what to do. He gave me a x64 install disk, but no product numbers or activation code etc...

I really don't want to reinstall windows or deal with anymore computer problems. Is there any easy way to fix this that won't be a pain in my arse?

Frankly, since I don't need speed on my machine really right now, maybe I should just re-format and reinstall the XP 32bit pro that I bought 16 months ago that is legitimate and that I have the serial numbers for.

But really, is there any way I can just make this go away without the 10- hour hassle that is reinstalling everything, getting drivers, updating them, etc... Hell, what if I bought a copy of x64 online from MS - could I use the new numbers to activate this cracked copy WITHOUT reinstall (the product code wouldn't match whatever product code was used to install this OS I bet).

[Demophobe]

[spliff]

I agree w/ Dem...64 Vista is better and there are many torrents available.

[Voyeur]

if I don't need performance, maybe it makes most sense just to put my legit 32-bit xp back on.

A torrented VISTA, even a corporate one with no activation, seems like you would have to know what you are doing to burn it to a boot, get the service packs, upgrades, drivers, etc...

[hanguker]

XP 32bit will be fine and can use 4GB of memory.

There is no reason to use Vista 64 unless your a power-user (aka geek). You can expect compatibility problems and you won't see many performance benefits, as almost all programs are currently optimized for 32bit. The idea of a 64bit OS is great, but it's going to be awhile before it dominates the desktop.

[spliff]

32bit can only utilize 3 gigs of that 4. Anyhow, the 64bVista's that are floating around on torrent sites are activated. Burning a iso image is a no brainer, but it's better to use a dual layered dvd and burn it off at the slowest speed. There are torrents that say Vista sp1 but don't think they work. Give the crackers a little more time, though. I put on Vista 64 last weekend and it's licensed and updates. Programs are available if you search for them. Of course, most programs are made for 32bit.

[SuperHero]

[hanguker]

[SuperHero]

[Demophobe]

And wrong he is.

Vista 64 is absolutely fine and far more intuitive (Vista overall) than XP was. There are a couple of things to be mindful of with any 64-bit OS:

Drivers - they need to be 64-bit and signed. Really, that isn't an issue. It saves one hosing their system with crappy drivers, something that MS found was far and away the leading cause of system instability. So you may not be able to use your "Lenny's SuperFun HappyTime webcam" anymore. Get over it...it was crap anyways.

64-bit drivers are absolutely everywhere these days.

UAC (User Account Control): Yeah, its a pain, but it can be turned off if you are 1) sure you won't run something stupid like a virus, and 2) don't want anyone to blame but yourself if you do.

Outside of those 2 things, there is simply nothing else to report. The users here running it (as far as I know) without issue: Superhero, the_beaver, spliff, eamo, myself...it's not geekware, but only the geeks took the chance and realize the truth about 64-bit and can separate the facts from the fiction as a result.

[Demophobe]

[spliff]