SP2 or not ?

Just make sure you're careful about what post-SP2 updates are installed. WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) is a pain in the ass if you have a illicit copy of WinXP. This is one reason to be careful. So if you have a legit copy, update away. If you pirated, install SP2 first than selectively not install any of the WGA updates that you can omit.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Hiro

I reformatted recently and Windows is hounding me about the thirty-day activation deal. I have heard that by activating this, I can no longer install this copy of Windows XP on future computers that I may own, is this true? And before you ask, I have a legitimate copy of Windows XP.

Will upgrading to SP2 and using the WGA automatically authenticate me, rendering the authentication unnecessary? Does WGA do some kind of voodoo magic to prevent this copy from being installed on this computer (assuming my point on the authentication is either correct, feel free to prove me wrong)?

Thanks.

Getting WGA okay does not mean activation nags will disappear. They are separate, the only thing to do is activate or get a workaround. I highly recommend installing a corporate edition of WinXP (if it's pro) with your current CD-Key, no activation needed. But to be legit, you can only have one installed copy at a time, meaning when you migrate, you must erase WinXP from any other PC to be on the legal side.

There's nowhere I can't reach.