Activation

[BillBrazil]

Purchased computer with XP Home installed one year ago.
One month ago, motherboard failed and was replaced under
waranty. Service was provided by contract agent, not
manufacturer.
Subsequently, on booting for first time, activation
screen appeared. However, the 25-character key was
different on screen than that on the Microsoft seal on
the computer.
Have tried both the new key and original key for
telephone support. Only response is the installation code
is not recognized. Please contact manufacturer.

I have read about the activation program and have a
reasonable understanding. What corrective measure will be
necessary to activate without problems?

 

[Steve C. Ray]

Since it is an OEM version of XP the maker of the computer is responsibility
for support, as stated in the EULA. Microsoft does not support OEM. That is
one of the reasons OEM is cheaper than Retail XP.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Purchased computer with XP Home installed one year ago.
One month ago, motherboard failed and was replaced under
waranty. Service was provided by contract agent, not
manufacturer.
Subsequently, on booting for first time, activation
screen appeared. However, the 25-character key was
different on screen than that on the Microsoft seal on
the computer.
Have tried both the new key and original key for
telephone support. Only response is the installation code
is not recognized. Please contact manufacturer.

What has happened is that the original installation was 'locked' to the
BIOS of the original motherboard, and the one that has been fitted is
not a true replacement, which would either have the same lock, or have
come with a program to run to re-match the system to it. And the key
provided to you is not correct for the version of the system that was
installed. The one on the label on the machine *ought* to be correct.
First make quite sure of that - start activation by phone, and when it
comes to the point where you can change the key, use that one from the
label, making very sure there is no confusion over say B - 8; S - 5; G -
6. If that is accepted, then start over and it should activate

If that is not accepted, get onto the original makers and tell them - it
is up to them to provide a key that works correctly with the variant of
the system which they have supplied