Microsoft Ends This Decades-Old Offline Activation Method For Windows

Microsoft has officially retired the traditional phone-based activation system for Windows (and MS Office) that served as a ...
Computerworld

Microsoft to ease XP activation with SP3

Microsoft Corp. will change how users activate Windows XP when Service Pack 3 launches in the first half of 2008, a company white paper said. New installations of Windows XP SP3 will give users the ...
ZDNet

Win XP buyers face activation dance

Buyers of new PCs may have to grapple with Microsoft Product Activation, a controversial new Windows feature. Users who buy PCs with Microsoft Windows XP could find their setup disabled if they change ...
Hit Points on MSN

Microsoft forces online accounts for all Windows installs effectively ending offline use

A recorded voice on Microsoft's activation hotline delivers a stark message: "Support for product activation has moved online ...