Windows activation & now migration help...

Hi guys, I'm terribly sorry for starting up a new thread - I searched through history looking for an answer, but I think I need a bit of novice advice too.

After installing Parallels on my new MBP, I then attempted to migrate my old Windows + apps to this computer. Stupidly, I express-installed my original copy of Windows (from the CD - from my old Dell Lappy) onto the the mac, then activated it, thinking it would only migrate Apps & documents to the partition, not the whole OS as well. In a completely seperate install. (In hindsight a stupid, stupid decision!)

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have 2 Windows versions running on Parallels, one of them activated, but completely bare bones, and the other one with all the apps & docs & settings, but unable to be activated because I've already activated more times than allowed! (2)

So my question is, is there a simple way of getting all of my apps etc over to the Windows version that is activated? (Within my mac, and if so, how? I'm a bit of a mac n00b)

Thanks heaps in advance.

 

Hello,

it seems that you can call Microsoft and ask them for some additional reactivation chances (something like that). I just can't imagine anything else.
So try it and please, write back here

Best regards,
Alicia.

 

Actually, that was plan A. I called them, and told them exactly what I was doing - installing MY original copy of Windows with the startup disk onto Parallels, on a mac. They told me that was illegal, and put me onto a Vista salesman. (hang on a minute, didn't he just tell me trying to run windows on a mac was illegal?) *sigh*

Plan B. Ring MS again, this time tell them I'm upgrading to a new windows laptop, and I'd like to install my original copy, but I need a replacement activation key. This time I was told that's also not allowed, because Windows came pre-installed on that machine, and therefore can't be installed on any other machine.

Should i just call again, and tell them I just need to re-install it on my original machine? I'm a bit worried because they're taking my name and email address each time I ring (even though I'm giving them a different address each time) (they ask for your details before you can start with support)

Cheers again.

So there's no easy way of associating my apps and docs (already migrated with the non-activated copy) over to the empty windows partition that is activated?

 

Unclextacy,

What kind of license do you have? Where did you buy it from?

No easy way without having to re-activate because of the 'difference of three hardware devices' rule.

 

Hey Eru... It was pre-installed on a new Dell Laptop.

 

Also - what do you mean by "difference of three hardware devices?"

 

Unclextacy, I suppose, Eru meant the fact that if Windows detects at least 3 new (different from the previous) hardware devices, it requires activation again.

Best regards,
Alicia.

 

I trashed my Bootcamp Windows (which had been activated) and decided to go with Parallels only (using a few programs only anyway).

I ran into the activation issue when i went to activate the 1st version of Parallels (on my username). So I followed the instructions that Windows pops up re calling Microsoft.
The wonderful thing is when you ring the 1800 number you don't talk to anyone or have to explain a thing.

I chose "activation of XP, etc" and also the option which states "have taken it off the old computer and ready for the new" or similar (well, i did !!).

You then give the product key the activation window spews out, then it will give you a product key (in groups of 5) to enter, then once you do that it will allow you continue with Windows activated !

Have done that twice (once for me, once for my 2nd user who has a mirror image of my original setup now customised to his needs). No names, no addresses, no phone numbers, no explanations !!! YAY !

** EDIT **
Can I just clarify, this is in Australia, it might/should be the same in your country when it shows the number you need to call (unless you can afford the call to over here !)

 

XP is a LOT more generous with activation than stingy Vista.

As to the OEM, things don't always install right when they are OEM and tied to a particular laptop, frequently there are certain drivers that will only work on the laptop it came with.

 

Thanks for that info - worked like a charm!!!

 

Same problem. Did a fresh installation of Windows on a Boot Camp partition with a newly purchased copy of WinXP and activated it. Then installed Parallels in a Boot Camp install, then was asked to activate Windows. After entering code, was told I was trying to install on a second computer. The Apple IDC and Microsoft here were of no help. Looks like the only choice is to wipe the Boot Camp partition and plead with Microsoft to reactivate Windows in a straight Parallels installation.
This appears to be strictly a case of Microsoft policy and I doubt that Parallels will be able to work around it. (I think I remember reading about MS being totally opposed to running Windows on virtual machines.)

 

Hello,

it seems that your Windows license agreement allows only one activation, though it sounds bizarre. Please, check the documentation for your OS and probably you should contact Windows support.

Best regards,
Alicia.

 

Had to uninstall 5160 and install 5582 with Vista reactivation since it was originally installed with 5160.

Tried the online activation and it referred to call-in number. Put in a bunch of numbers, and someone at the call center asked, did I buy copy in store or did it come with laptop (bought it in store), how many pc's Vista is installed on (1), why is reactivation needed (because I had to reinstall), and I got the series of numbers to put in.