Activation

[Tom]

I installed a new motherboad in my computer which
was running Windows XP Home Edition. I did a reinstall of
windows xp and when I try to activate it(by calling
Microsoft and reading the numbers that came up on my
screen from the actavation wizard) they say they do not
reconize it and the software may be invalid. Is this
because of the motherboard change and it is reconizing it
as a compeltely different computer and if so is there
anyway I can activate this. It is the first time that I
have used the CD to try to activate my system that I have
had for a year. Thank you Tom

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Tom,

Where did you get your CD? Is it a retail version, or did it come with the
system?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Guest]

Hello, it came with the system from Dell. I installed a
new Asus motherboard in place of the Intel and used all
the other componets from the Dell system. Thanks Tom

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Problem you have is that your OEM (Dell-supplied) version of Windows will
only install on the hardware it comes with. It sees the new MB as a totally
different machine.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Guest]

Hello Rick, yes I believe you are right.
I am going to try to get a hold of microsoft and see if
they will give me at least one load. I have heard you are
allowed three on the same machine. I know I changed some
major things but I ought to at least one reload out of
the deal. Thank you for taking the time to help. Tom

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Tom,

The problem is that Microsoft doesn't support OEM versions, the pc supplier
does. It won't hurt to ask (as you have nothing to lose).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Bob Harris]

Contact Dell, not Microsoft. Microsoft has no responsibility for OEM
operating systems, which is why they are cheaper than retail operating
systems. However, Dell will probably tell you that are only responsible for
the original hardware. The rule for OEM systems is that they are NOT
transferrable to another PC. A new motherboard is essentially a new PC.

If you also fail to get help from Dell, buy a full retail copy of XP and use
that to do a repair installation, then activate it. However, if you own a
copy of 98, 98SE, ME, or 2000, you might qualify for the XP upgrade, whihc
is about half the price. To qualify you must have the CD for the older
operating system, since the XP installation will ask to read it.