Did you know that you're not allowed to install Microsoft XP more than 2 in a month on a computer? my CD key was discontinued by the Microsoft Corp because i installed it too many times...
I think that it is so crazy that i'm not allowed to install an OS as many times as i want to a single computer. Last time i checked it didn't say anywhere on the box "User Limited to install 3 times" but i guess from the late nights in the low light in front of the computer screen made me go blind...
Does anyone else think this is nuts?

You are entitled to unlimited installation providing that you can prove to them you have the genuine Windows proof of purchase, a valid serial key, and in a single machine that is the same as the first installation. This criteria will be explained by Microsoft support line when you call them.

The basic procedure is that they will ask you few questions and you provide them with proofs they need. Once satisfied, they will guide you through manually entering some obscene digits to unlock your activation process (mine was 24 digits long, alphanumeric). This code is only to be used once and the next time you need to reinstall Windows XP, you must repeat the whole process of providing the proof they require.

Microsoft, by law, cannot discontinue a valid serial key unless they explain why they discontinued it--for example, it's invalid due to cracked or illegally obtained key. The only other way to discontinue a valid serial key is to discontinue the OS itself. Windows XP, both Home and Professional editions, is still fully supported by Microsoft.

Ask them to give you a comprehensive reason why your key is invalid, even though you have proofs they need, in a registered first class mail. If you really do receive this letter you now have a legitimate reason to hire a lawyer and demand your satisfaction from Microsoft in a court of law

Thats good to know, Im about to install windows 2 times in different partitions on my pc, I dont want to be loosing my precious xp serial since it is sort of hard to find xp now days. I really dont want or need vista at the moment. I dont want to be calling microsoft either, just a waste of time since I can prove that my serial is original... its an oem version that came with my lap so there.

Yeah this is annoying, but when I read the topic title I thought it had to do with Windows Vista, as they're stopping the XP sale in a few years and somehow i got the "what? they're stopping people's key's already?" thought in my head :]

Well just call them and they'll fix it. You're entitled to use it as much as you need - But I guess it was to stop "Suspicious" installs.

I did this too, I got about 15 installs and I had to call them, pretty need trick I never knew they had. But it's not a big deal, just takes a lil' longer to install xp now. I hardly use the disk now though, so that's not even a big deal. It is one thing to keep in mind though, that way you don't get stuck with a half loaded windows xp system because your phone died .

Hmmm, this is very odd. Microsoft would be crazy to stop your CD Key without definite proof. As said before, if they fail to comply with your request, take them to court. Microsoft is a big company but they are not above the law. If are within the guide lines of the EULA and they still fail to activate your PC, then take legal action immediately.

Although this is great for stopping people trying to install XP illegally, it's pretty crappy for people trying to install it legally. Really, I don't think you should even have to phone Microsoft up to get the un-installation-deactivation (if that makes sense XP) code. I hope they think of something a bit better next time.

Well my code has never stopped working, lucky me... x]