Windows 2003 Activation

[wsw243]

Hi,

I have Windows Server 2003 RTM MSDN with legal MSDN key and I change pid number in this file setupp.ini from 000 to 270 and install but after install it still required activation. I try some illegal corporate keys for testing and one key has extended activation time to 60 days but still required activation. Can anyone help me that how can I bypass activation and install windows server 2003 as Volume Licence using legal MSDN key?

[+BeLGaRaTh Subscriber¹]

You could always give microsoft a call, their number will be available on the activation screen.

BTW It is illegal to 'bypass activation'

[kitteny_berk]

call microsoft, they'll be able to help you out.

[graeme_7799]

activation is necessary for win2003. bypassing it sounds more like cracking it which is not 'legal'.

watch your questions, ppl at neowin like to flame you because most of them have nothing better to do. i feel a flame coming on, bring it on ppl!! haha

[AntBug]

If you have a legal key, why bypass activation?

[oddballz19]

If you have a legal key, why bypass activation?

Oh, I don't know... maybe privacy concerns? Not wanting Big Brother watching what you enter? (That's the way a lot of people view activation -- plus it's darned inconvenient if you don't have an Internet connection on the computer you're installing Windows on... I don't like having to call someone to be able to use a product I've already paid for).

[wsw243]

If you have a legal key, why bypass activation?

I change my hardware oftenly and it is hard to activate windows after every changes. In Windows XP if I change pid number to 270 in setupp.ini file than it not required activation because it become corporate why this mehtod is not working in Windows 2003, did in Windows 2003 pid number 270 is diffrent than Windows XP if yes which is for Windows 2003?

[oddballz19]

. In Windows XP if I change pid number to 270 in setupp.ini file than it not required activation because it become corporate

To be accurate, changing that to 270 in XP doesn't make it the VLK version. It only makes it take VLK keys. You need to change the number before that 270 to make it VLK, and you also need to change the ExtraData section (If I remember the name correctly -- it's the only other thing in setupp.ini). This is also true for Windows Server 2003. It's not that 270 that counts... you can leave it as 000 if all the other numbers are for the VLK version, and it will act as the VLK version, but accept the regular retail keys.

However, all this is bordering on the "cracking" topic, so I'll be quiet now.

[[jon]]

I will tell you there ARE tools do this I will not tell you where they are or how to find them....

Changing product key IS permitted (there is even a KB article on this) but will not work uner win2003 but it can still be done even under volume licence edition...

the only reason you would ever need to change your key is if you are being locked out of windowsupdate

[Pilsbury]

If you're an MSDN subscriber, there is NO issue with activating it. If necessary, all you have to do is call them.

And what you are trying to do is a violation of the MSDN EULA.

[oddballz19]

,Jun 20 2004, 22:08] I will tell you there ARE tools do this I will not tell you where they are or how to find them....

Changing product key IS permitted (there is even a KB article on this) but will not work uner win2003 but it can still be done even under volume licence edition...

the only reason you would ever need to change your key is if you are being locked out of windowsupdate

He's not really changing his PID, read his wording. He's changing setupp.ini, which just controls how pidgen.dll verifies the product keys and writes them out into the registry of the new installation. He's changing the type of PID needed to install Windows. BUT, he really needs to change the extradata in order to remove the need for activation. This is exactly what the corpfiles do under XP (and the 2003 corpfiles, as well).

Yes, there are tools that can remove the need for activation, like the already infamous TweakNT, but I'd recommend against them. It has the bad habit of reappearing when it's least welcome... like after using Windows Update, and then you find out your Windows installation is now hosed...

[wsw243]

If you're an MSDN subscriber, there is NO issue with activating it. If necessary, all you have to do is call them.

And what you are trying to do is a violation of the MSDN EULA.

How I am violation of MSDN EULA? I am just asking that how to make Windows Edition diffrent? I know that MSDN version of windows can be install as OEM, Retail and Corporate but I have fail to install it as corp. so I asking to experts not like you little :p . Keep in mind that I am not sharing any product key and any MSDN secret info ;) . You can modify any portion of setup and it is not violation of EULA. You need to double read my post above with :woot: that what I am saying? Don't waste your and my time with stupid reply.

[briangw]

Why not activate it, make a ghost image, and install the image on similar platforms?

[OptiPlex]

Hi,

I have Windows Server 2003 RTM MSDN with legal MSDN key and I change pid number in this file setupp.ini from 000 to 270 and install but after install it still required activation. I try some illegal corporate keys for testing and one key has extended activation time to 60 days but still required activation. Can anyone help me that how can I bypass activation and install windows server 2003 as Volume Licence using legal MSDN key?

Don't you have access to the ISOs on MSDN?

[Mattimeo]

He should have the ISO's on MSDN. And yes, if you are trying to tinker around with PID in terms to cirumvent activation, then yes that is against the EULA. Now with that said, changing the number to 270 isnt going to make it VLK, like oddballz19 said, you have to change the nubmers preceding them. But, since you have MSDN, why don't you just save the trouble and just activate? Please don't tell me the big brother issue. ;)

[FM]

<< snipped >> Please don't discuss this here

Of course, I'd NEVER use that...

Edited June 21, 2004 by gameguy

[OptiPlex]

Of course, I'd NEVER use that...

Why would this person go through all that mess when there is an ISO waiting for him to download at MSDN?

[FM]

Why would this person go through all that mess when there is an ISO waiting for him to download at MSDN?

For as big of a deal as he's making about bypassing activation, you REALLY think he's a MSDN member? He's an amateur warez monkey that dosen't know what he's doing. :p

[OptiPlex]

For as big of a deal as he's making about bypassing activation, you REALLY think he's a MSDN member? He's an amateur warez monkey that dosen't know what he's doing. :p

HAHAHA, You're probably right! :D

Yeah, the thread starter does sound suspicious :shifty:

P.S. to thread starter - Geocities does not allow hotlinking.

[FM]

Suspicious is an understatement. Honestly, if he was an MSDN subscriber, he'd get a legal key with his ISO and could activate no problem. His excuse of not wanting MS to know is BS, because all MS gets is a hash based on his hardware. Seriously, if you're gonna crack and pirate software, at least have a half-assed idea what you're doing next time, okay?

[giantsnyy]

i understand why you hate activation, i've been using my XP upgrade cd that i bought since i first got it... its a pain in the ass now that i have to call microsoft every time i want to install it... to hear the same question "why are you reinstalling windows" and to explain the same thing "i've passed my allowance for internet activations and im doing a monthly format" (OT: btw, how many internet activations are there allowed now... b/c i just formatted recently and in the past 10 months before it, i didnt reinstall (hell i didn't even touch my cd), and it says i can't)

[John Veteran]

I have Windows Server 2003 RTM MSDN with legal MSDN key and I change pid number in this file setupp.ini from 000 to 270 and install but after install it still required activation.

Then activate it. MSDN copies come with a key and you don't have to modify anything, they will activate normally. It is completely legal. If you have any more questions, contact Microsoft Support (Y)