OS re-installing limits?

This was brought up in the recent reformatting threads, but I just wanted to have a definitive answer that addresses the question that I have.

I bought my laptop (a Fujitsu S2110) back in the Fall of last year and have reformatted it about 3 times since then, just because I'm a freak like that. I'd like to do a reformat every few months or so, but I'm afraid that if I reformat too often then the XP OS cd that I have won't be able to be activated because I've done it so many times.

I have the original OS CD sent by Fujitsu for Windows XP Pro, which hasn't been used on any other computer but mine. So, question, can I reformat to my heart's content without worry of not being able to load the OS because of MS anti-pirating/bootlegg requirements?

 

reinstalling an OS that you paid for is not piracy. you can do it as many times as you want.

i reformat about every 6 months. when i was in law school i did it before every new semester.

 

The worse that can happen is that WindowsXP will tell you to call a phone number, and then after you explain what happened to the rep, they'll give you a code to type in. I've had to do it a few times for my (legitimate) copy of WindowsXP that I bought way back in 2001. I've probably reinstalled Windows 10 times and I think it only makes you call for a code if you do it a bunch of times within the same year or 2.

But like I said, even if it tells you to call, it gives you like 30 days to do it, and the call only takes about 5 minutes. A hassle to be sure, but nothing too impossible.

 

Usually if you have an OEM vesion of XP (meaing you can only install on laptops from your manufacturer), you shouldn't have any problems. If you have retail version, you might have a problem, but even if you do, you can call the 1-800 number and they unlock it as ripper82 said.

SG

 

For fujitsu I am not sure if the XP pro is different than the home edition that is the standard option. But for the home edition it is preactivated and therefore you aren't reactivating each time you reformat.

 

When you reinstall using your recovery cds or recovery partition, you shouldnt be promptted for activation. If you reinstall from a os cd, then you may have to activate. Also MS wont deny you activation, as long as you have the Product Key Label. GL

 

Thanks for all the feedbacks, guys. Much appreciated and put me at better ease. Looks like I'm going do a clean instal/reformatting this weekend.