Microsoft KB Archive/931864

= Computers that are running Windows XP Home Edition for Subscription Computers or Windows XP Home Edition for Prepaid Computers do not function correctly when they try to connect to a server =

Article ID: 931864

Article Last Modified on 2/19/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition for Subscription Computers
 * Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition for Prepaid Computers

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SYMPTOMS
Consider the following scenario:
 * You have several computers that are running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition for Subscription Computers or Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition for Prepaid Computers.
 * You use the computers to connect to a server to perform one of the following central server-based functions:
 * Download a provisioning packet
 * Register
 * Activate
 * Add computer use time

In this scenario, the computers do not function correctly.



CAUSE
This problem occurs if some or all the computers have the same computer ID.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, make sure that each computer has a unique computer ID.



MORE INFORMATION
The computer ID must be unique. The computer ID cannot be blank. A computer ID cannot be the same as the computer ID of any other computer, even if the computers are sold to the same customer.

The computer ID is created when the BIOS universally unique identifier (UUID) is read from the computer motherboard the first time that the computer starts. The hardware identifier (HWID) is written to the secure store files.

If a computer manufacturer purchases motherboards that all have the same BIOS UUID, the manufacturer must contact the motherboard manufacturer or the BIOS manufacturer to obtain a tool to change the UUIDs so that all UUIDs are unique.

Keywords: kbexpertiseadvanced kbtshoot KB931864

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