Microsoft KB Archive/825272

= You are prompted to reactivate your Windows XP guest operating system after you upgrade Virtual PC =

Article ID: 825272

Article Last Modified on 12/9/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Virtual PC 2004
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Windows 5.2
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Windows 5.1
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Windows 5.0
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Windows 4.3
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Windows 4.2
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Windows 4.1
 * Connectix Virtual PC for Windows 4.0

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SYMPTOMS
When you start the Microsoft Windows XP guest operating system for the first time after you upgrade Microsoft Virtual PC on your physical computer, you may be prompted to activate the Windows XP guest operating system even though it was previously activated.



CAUSE
This issue occurs because of a new anti-piracy feature in Windows XP known as Microsoft Product Activation. The Product Activation feature helps to verify that software products are legitimately licensed. This feature aims to reduce a form of piracy known as casual copying. Microsoft Product Activation verifies that a software program's product key has not been used on more personal computers than the software's license intends.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods:
 * Reactivate the Windows XP guest operating system by calling Microsoft Support at the telephone number that appears on the activation screen of Windows XP.
 * Reactivate the Windows XP guest operating system over the Internet if you have not exceeded the maximum number of activations that your product key permits.

Note If you try to reactivate the Windows XP operating system over the Internet over a dial-up connection, make sure that your physical computer is connected to the Internet.

Keywords: kbprb KB825272

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