Lyne, Answer is... it depends. :) No simple answer. It is NOT correct to say that once you have an activation code it will work for life. If you install a new hard drive, a new operating system, a new modem or video card, get a new computer... various changes such as these will cause you to need a new activation code. CL has not made clear (and perhaps they can not) exactly which changes would require a new code. If you simply crash your computer and reinstall with all the same hardware and software, you will probably ot need a new activation code. Probably. Phoenix