Activation Woes

[BobS]

OEM can be activated again. Here's a page to look at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/activationfaq.mspx

Check "What hardware changes may require re-activation"

The MS Tech was wrong

From the above reference.........
Hardware changes that do not invoke the Windows Vista re-activation process
may vary based on how you acquired Windows Vista. For example:

a.. If you acquired Windows Vista via retail purchase (boxed product) or
pre-installed on a computer from a local computer vendor, Windows Vista will
not require re-activation if you, for example:

a.. Replace the hard disk drive only.

b.. Replace the video card and add system memory at the same time.

b.. If you acquired Windows Vista pre-installed on a computer from a major
manufacturer (sometimes referred to as an Original Equipment Manufacturer or
OEM), Windows Vista will require re-activation if you replace the
motherboard with a motherboard not provided by the OEM.

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Bob S.

 

[Guest]

Hey all, im not sure if this is the right place to ask, but here goes anyway.

I was one of the beta testers for Vista, and at the end of it was given a
free copy of Vista. So I installed it and activated etc etc. Unfortunately,
due to a hard disk failure, I had to re-install it. But, was unable to
activate because my key from my previous install was in use.

On phoning tech support at microsoft, I was told by some Indian guy who I
couldn't really understand and (who clearly had no idea what he was talking
about) that my copy was classed as OEM and he could not release my key.

So, my question is, was the guy right? Or can my key actually be released?

 

[koze]

You are able to install and use the key again.
Just phone in again and make clear it's a retail no OEM!
Ko