Re-Activation of OEM Windows XP Home Edition

[Guest]

I have replaced my m/b and cpu in my Systemax due to failure of original
hardware. I didn't replace them with OEM hardware, now I find out that I am
unable to reactivate Windows XP, I contacted tech support for Systemax and
they say I have to purchase a new product ID or buy another copy of XP.

Is there any way of obtaining a new product id code from microsoft without
having to purchase one so that I can reactivate my XP? I have the original
cd that came with the computer and everything is legal on my computer so I'm
not afraid of Microsoft verifying all the software is legal if they need too.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If following Systemax'
suggestion, how do I go about purchasing a new product ID code without
actually purchasing the whole software?

Please post replies here or email me at jimstiles (at) nwcinternet.com

Thanks for any help.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

A license for OEM version of Windows XP is tied to the
original computer hardware configuration. Since you made
significant changes, the license is no longer valid. You'll
need to purchase a new "Full Version" of Windows XP.
Microsoft does not offer new licenses for OEM versions.

Example:

Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102151

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

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

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I have replaced my m/b and cpu in my Systemax due to failure of original
| hardware. I didn't replace them with OEM hardware, now I find out that I am
| unable to reactivate Windows XP, I contacted tech support for Systemax and
| they say I have to purchase a new product ID or buy another copy of XP.
|
| Is there any way of obtaining a new product id code from microsoft without
| having to purchase one so that I can reactivate my XP? I have the original
| cd that came with the computer and everything is legal on my computer so I'm
| not afraid of Microsoft verifying all the software is legal if they need too.
|
| Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If following Systemax'
| suggestion, how do I go about purchasing a new product ID code without
| actually purchasing the whole software?
|
| Please post replies here or email me at jimstiles (at) nwcinternet.com
|
| Thanks for any help.

 

[Ron Martell]

I have replaced my m/b and cpu in my Systemax due to failure of original
hardware. I didn't replace them with OEM hardware, now I find out that I am
unable to reactivate Windows XP, I contacted tech support for Systemax and
they say I have to purchase a new product ID or buy another copy of XP.

Is there any way of obtaining a new product id code from microsoft without
having to purchase one so that I can reactivate my XP? I have the original
cd that came with the computer and everything is legal on my computer so I'm
not afraid of Microsoft verifying all the software is legal if they need too.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If following Systemax'
suggestion, how do I go about purchasing a new product ID code without
actually purchasing the whole software?

Please post replies here or email me at jimstiles (at) nwcinternet.com

Thanks for any help.

You have been caught in the OEM activation trap.

Under the new procedures initiated by Microsoft as of 1 March 2005 for
the activation of "BIOS Locked" OEM versions of Windows XP these
licenses are only usable on hardware (read Motherboard BIOS type and
version) from the same computer manufacturer/assembler.

So if the motherboard fails, or if you just want to upgrade to a newer
motherboard and CPU for better performance you *must* get the new
motherboard from the same manufacturer/assembler that provided the
original computer. Otherwise your Windows XP will not activate, as
you have discovered the hard way.

I am not sure what, if anything. Microsoft will do with respect to
OEMs shipping BIOS Locked Windows XP versions who subsequently go
bankrupt, and motherboard replacements for those systems. I believe
that there has been at least one such instance already.

Your only way out at this point would be to:

1. Purchase a new motherboard from Systemax that will accept your new
CPU, and use it.

or

2. Purchase a new copy of Windows XP and install it on your existing
new motherboard. Your lowest cost purchase would be to get a generic
OEM version from either a local dealer (they will sometimes sell them
with a minor piece of hardware) or on eBay.


Note that these changes, at this point anyway, apply only to BIOS
Locked OEM versions which will always be on either a System Recovery
Disk/Partition or an installation CD with the computer manufacturer's
name on it.

Generic OEM versions that bear only the Microsoft name and logo can
still be activated again on different hardware, at least for now.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Jim;
You can't purchase just a Product Key for your OEM Windows XP.
You seem to have two choices.
Buy Windows XP retail or OEM.
Buy the motherboard directly from the motherboard manufacturer which will
enable you to use your current CD.

 

[Guest]

If I understand you correctly, if I purchase a System that does not come with
a WinXP CD and I upgrade the system, XP is no longer? Didn't I pay for XP in
the price of the system? This appears to me to be very poor business from the
dealer and MS. Is this stated in the EULA? I'm glad I built my system. My
wife is in a different situation though. I guess that ends the thought of
upgrading hers.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Even if it comes with a Windows XP CD the problem may be the same.
You did not pay for Windows XP, nor did you really pay for a computer.
You paid for a computer system and Windows XP is part of that system.
Often the OEMs tie their OS to the system.

Yes it is stated in the EULA.
This can be an OK system for some, but terrible for others.
As long as buyers accept it, the OEMs will continue to use this method.
Microsoft gives dealers several options, but this option is often the
cheapest and as long as buyers look primarily at price with everything else
secondary, this practice will continue.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

 

[Richard Urban [MVP]]

Your issue is with the company that sold you the computer.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from: George Ankner
"If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!"

 

[kurttrail]

Your issue is with the company that sold you the computer.

It is with MS, as the company is only following MS's BS rules for OEMs.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[kurttrail]

I have replaced my m/b and cpu in my Systemax due to failure of
original hardware. I didn't replace them with OEM hardware, now I
find out that I am unable to reactivate Windows XP, I contacted tech
support for Systemax and they say I have to purchase a new product ID
or buy another copy of XP.

Is there any way of obtaining a new product id code from microsoft
without having to purchase one so that I can reactivate my XP? I
have the original cd that came with the computer and everything is
legal on my computer so I'm not afraid of Microsoft verifying all the
software is legal if they need too.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If following Systemax'
suggestion, how do I go about purchasing a new product ID code without
actually purchasing the whole software?

Please post replies here or email me at jimstiles (at) nwcinternet.com

Thanks for any help.

3 ways to deal with this so that you can use your copy of XP, but not
all are good ones.

1.) Download a crack.


2.) Call both MS and emachines back, record the conversations & get a
lawyer.


3.) Try phone activation,
http://www.microscum.com/mmpafaq/phonewpa.html, and tell the MS phone
rep that you used a slipstreamed SP2 OEM CD to reinstall XP on your
computer. If asked why you needed to reinstall, the reason for your
reinstalled was you upgraded components, but under no circumstances say
you upgraded the motherboard.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommuni ty
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"



--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Greg Ro]

On Sat, 9 Jul 2005 20:01:01 -0700, "Jim Stiles" <Jim

I have replaced my m/b and cpu in my Systemax due to failure of original
hardware. I didn't replace them with OEM hardware, now I find out that I am
unable to reactivate Windows XP, I contacted tech support for Systemax and
they say I have to purchase a new product ID or buy another copy of XP.

Is there any way of obtaining a new product id code from microsoft without
having to purchase one so that I can reactivate my XP? I have the original
cd that came with the computer and everything is legal on my computer so I'm
not afraid of Microsoft verifying all the software is legal if they need too.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If following Systemax'
suggestion, how do I go about purchasing a new product ID code without
actually purchasing the whole software?

Please post replies here or email me at jimstiles (at) nwcinternet.com

Thanks for any help.

There is no need to buy another xp operating system.
Like others have said.

Try changing your key first. Here how.

Section One
If not activated got to section 2.

Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current
Version\WPAEvents

In the right pane, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.

Change at least one digit of first line value to deactivate Windows.

If doing this from safe mode, reboot normally here.

Section two

Run %systemroot%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /a

Use the key on the back of your machine.

Click Yes, I want to telephone a customer service representative to
activate Windows, and then click Next. Click Change Product key.
Type the product key in the New key boxes, and then click Update. If
another Screen pops up-Click Remind me latter. Reboot. Then activate
by the Internet. If that does don't work. Call them by the phone and
just tell them you replace hardware. Just don't tell them you replace
the Motherboard or bios. Even through Microsoft has said you can
replace any hardware and you should still be able to activate by
phone. Reboot after you get it activated.




Greg Ro

 

[Lil' Dave]

There's 2 types of XP install CDs that may be referred to as OEM.

The first is the type that comes with a manufactured PC. It is tied to that
specific PC. That's what you have. Once that PC is modified to the point a
reactivation is required, it has gone beyond the PC's original design and
therefore, not qualified to reactivation.. Many are bios oriented in making
this determination..

The second type is one that is purchased with hardware internal to the PC.
Examples are a motherboard or a hard drive. The purchase of this type of
OEM software is tied to the hardware purchase, but the activation and
reactivation of XP is not tied to the hardware installation changes in that
you can literally build another PC and install this on it. As long as you
have no other copies installed elsewhere

If you build or fabricate a PC from another PC case which is a brand name
PC, either get the 2nd example of OEM, or the retail version of XP.
Changing to another maker's motherboard is a prime example of this.

 

[Tim Messer]

I have replaced my m/b and cpu in my Systemax due to failure of original
hardware. I didn't replace them with OEM hardware, now I find out that I am
unable to reactivate Windows XP, I contacted tech support for Systemax and
they say I have to purchase a new product ID or buy another copy of XP.

Is there any way of obtaining a new product id code from microsoft without
having to purchase one so that I can reactivate my XP? I have the original
cd that came with the computer and everything is legal on my computer so I'm
not afraid of Microsoft verifying all the software is legal if they need too.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If following Systemax'
suggestion, how do I go about purchasing a new product ID code without
actually purchasing the whole software?

Please post replies here or email me at jimstiles (at) nwcinternet.com

Thanks for any help.

Try phoning the Microsoft activation hotline and claiming that your hard
drive crashed if they ask you any questions. Don't tell them about your
motherboard as it's really none of their business.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for all the responses, I'm waiting for replies from Systemax and
Microsoft now. I found out Systemax will upgrade it but I have to foot the
bill for shipping both ways plus pay for labor. I'm hoping they will just let
me purchase a M/B that will match the cpu I bought and let me install it but
not sure if they will or not. Otherwise, I'll probably just get a new full
version off ebay and go from there.

Thanks again for all the replies and suggestions, I may try a few of them
first, can't hurt since it won't activate now.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

If I understand you correctly, if I purchase a System that does not come with
a WinXP CD and I upgrade the system, XP is no longer? Didn't I pay for XP in
the price of the system?

Well, to be strictly accurate, what you paid for was an OEM license.
In simple terms, you paid for permission to use that specific copy of
WinXP on (and *only* on) that one specific computer, and only for the
life of that one computer. This is partially why OEM licenses are less
expensive than retail licenses.

Is this stated in the EULA?

Not explicitly; for that matter, it's not even hinted at. According to
the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from one distinct PC to
another PC. Nothing is said about prohibiting one from repairing or
upgrading the PC on which an OEM license is installed.

Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
such distinction. Others have said that one could successfully argue
that it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where
one is instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the
EULA does not specifically define any single component as the computer.
Licensed Microsoft Systems Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM
licenses with computers they sell, are contractually obligated to
"define" the computer as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition
can't be applied to the end user until the EULA is re-written. This is
the catch that has caught the OP: the computer manufacturer has to treat
the repaired/upgraded computer as a different computer. Had the OP
obtained the replacement motherboard from the original manufacturer,
this issue wouldn't have arisen.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry
to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is
solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine
what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support
agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded
computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM
EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've
built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the
"OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your product.

I'm glad I built my system. My wife is in a different situation though.
I guess that ends the thought of
upgrading hers.

Maybe, maybe not. What specific type of OEM installation CD
accompanied her computer? If it's a branded, BIOS-locked installation
or recovery CD, than you're probably correct. If, however, it's one of
the generic OEM installation CDs that small shops usually distribute,
you should be able to upgrade to your heart's content.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Greg Ro]

Jim
Save your money and see my previous post about changing a key.
Try this first.

Greg

 

[Richard Urban [MVP]]

I am certain the manufacturing company that made the computer would be happy
to supply a retail copy of Windows XP with their computers. Do you think the
customers will pay more that $399.95 to buy said computer? Would the
customer pay the extra cost that must be passed along?

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from: George Ankner
"If you knew as much as you thought you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!"

 

[Guest]

I'm fixing to try your suggestion right now, not sure if I can get to the
areas where you said to go to or not. Right now, I can only get to login
screen. It won't let me past this point without doing the reactivation
procedure. Will give it a try though.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Greg,

I'm trying to give your idea a try but I can only get to the welcome screen
where the uers login button is. When I click on it, the reactivation window
comes up asking if I want to do it or not, if I click Yes, it takes me to the
process, if I click No, it goes back to the users login button and the same
thing happens. How can I get to the 'Run' icon to enter in the statement you
provided?

Thanks

Jim

 

[kurttrail]

I am certain the manufacturing company that made the computer would
be happy to supply a retail copy of Windows XP with their computers.
Do you think the customers will pay more that $399.95 to buy said
computer? Would the customer pay the extra cost that must be passed
along?

Windows XP is overpriced as an OEM product. Thanks to a lack of
competition, and the Bush Justice Department's capitulation to MS.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[kurttrail]

Greg,

I'm trying to give your idea a try but I can only get to the welcome
screen where the uers login button is. When I click on it, the
reactivation window comes up asking if I want to do it or not, if I
click Yes, it takes me to the process, if I click No, it goes back to
the users login button and the same thing happens. How can I get to
the 'Run' icon to enter in the statement you provided?

Have you tried phone activation?

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"