Re:That stampede sound you are hearing.... (Score 1)

Then you've been lucky. You must also have chosen not to update the OS with its latest service packs (which require loading a Genuine Windows tool accompanied by an activation requirement) or use Microsoft Office (which requires activation). I hope you don't have to change-out any components, either. Despite what I've read (Windows not requiring activation for simple hardware swapouts), I had a client last week that needed a new CD-ROM drive. I swapped out the old 48X for a new 48X and Windows responded upon rebooting by requiring that, since "significant hardware changes" had been made, Windows must be re-authorized with Microsoft. Fun stuff.