Preactivation issues may arise when installing XP to multiple PCs at once

However, one possible problem that can arise from this is how to deal with product activation. If you're installing across multiple machines and you have a volume license key, does each computer need to be activated individually?

Generally, the answer is no. But when preparing the image, you need to follow certain steps. An admin will usually employ the Microsoft System Preparation tool Sysprep to create and seal the system image before deployment. However, Sysprep normally erases the activation data from a system when it's sealed, so when dealing with volume license keys, you must take the following steps.

The product key line will contain a placeholder key, supplied by Microsoft, which will instruct the computer to preserve the existing volume license key information. You'll need to supply different keys depending on

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

Windows XP Professional 32 bit
MVF4D-W774K-MC4VM-QY6XY- R38TB

Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
XT67V-GY7FW-GR6FR-WDK2C-8T97J

Windows XP Professional x64 bit
FM634-HJ3QK-6QVTY-RJY4R-XCR9J

Note: These product keys are only placeholders, and will not work in a standalone environment.

Also, if the system in question has to be re-activated at any time due to hardware changes, product activation will ask for the volume license key for that particular computer. The substitute key listed above is not an actual working key, so product activation will demand that you supply a real one if it needs to run again. Be sure that the volume license keys you use are associated with the correct computers and products.

About the author: Serdar Yegulalp is editor of the Windows Power Users Newsletter. Check it out for the latest advice and musings on the world of Windows network administrators. He is also the author of the book Windows Server Undocumented Solutions.

More information on this topic:

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchWindowsServer.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.