Ok, I own a computer which had Windows XP installed by
the manufacturer. Recently though, the Motherboard died,
leaving me with no alternative but to replace it. Since
almost all of the elements used to identify the system
for Activation are incorperated into the motherboard, the
odds of problems are thus quite high. Is this situation
going to force me to buy a new copy of Windows XP simply
to use the copy already on my Hard Drive?

Brendan wrote:
> Ok, I own a computer which had Windows XP installed by
> the manufacturer. Recently though, the Motherboard died,
> leaving me with no alternative but to replace it. Since
> almost all of the elements used to identify the system
> for Activation are incorporated into the motherboard, the
> odds of problems are thus quite high. Is this situation
> going to force me to buy a new copy of Windows XP simply
> to use the copy already on my Hard Drive?

If the OEM copy/Restore CD they gave you was not limited to just the
hardware they gave you (normally is not) and it has been 120+ days since you
last activated, you will likely be able to do so over the Internet.

Worst case, a repair install and activation over the phone may be
necessary.

--
<- Shenan ->
--

More than likely the OS was BIOS locked to the computer (motherboard) it was
installed on. You will probably have to buy a full version of XP.

"Brendan" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:13ec701c412dd$217366e0$(E-Mail Removed)...
> Ok, I own a computer which had Windows XP installed by
> the manufacturer. Recently though, the Motherboard died,
> leaving me with no alternative but to replace it. Since
> almost all of the elements used to identify the system
> for Activation are incorperated into the motherboard, the
> odds of problems are thus quite high. Is this situation
> going to force me to buy a new copy of Windows XP simply
> to use the copy already on my Hard Drive?

Changing an OEM XP system motherboard to a non-factory replacement
motherboard with OEM XP preinstalled to a non-OEM system is not advised.

You have two options:

1. Purchase an identical motherboard from your computer manufacturer.

or

2. Purchase a "Full Version" of Windows XP and perform a "Repair Install".


Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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"Brendan" (E-Mail Removed) wrote in message:
news:13ec701c412dd$217366e0$(E-Mail Removed)...

| Ok, I own a computer which had Windows XP installed by
| the manufacturer. Recently though, the Motherboard died,
| leaving me with no alternative but to replace it. Since
| almost all of the elements used to identify the system
| for Activation are incorperated into the motherboard, the
| odds of problems are thus quite high. Is this situation
| going to force me to buy a new copy of Windows XP simply
| to use the copy already on my Hard Drive?

not if you buy the same motherboard