Product Activation

[Roy]

Due to constant CPU instability problems, I am replacing
my mother board. At the same time I will also install a
new processor and system RAM.

Will I have to re-activate my copy of XP?

If so, will I encounter problems re-activating XP?


What problems could I encounter trying to reboot after
the upgrade?

 

[JWooden271]

You might have to reactivate, definitely if you are reinstalling XP. You
should be able to activate online, if you encounter problems, then call
Microsoft.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Normally, and assuming a retail license (many OEM licenses are not
transferable to a new motherboard), unless your motherboard is
virtually identical (same chipset, same IDE controllers, same BIOS
version, etc.) to the one on which the other WinXP installation was
originally performed, you'll need to perform a repair (a.k.a. in-place
upgrade) installation, at the very least:

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/directory/article.asp?ID=KB;EN-US;Q315341

As always when undertaking such a significant change, back up any
important data before starting.

This will also require re-activation. If it's been more than 120
days since you last activated that specific Product Key, you'll most
likely be able to activate via the internet without problem. If it's
been less, you might have to make a 5 minute phone call.


Bruce Chambers

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[Alex Nichol]

Due to constant CPU instability problems, I am replacing
my mother board. At the same time I will also install a
new processor and system RAM.

Will I have to re-activate my copy of XP?

Probably. See www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm for detail, but you will be
changing
Motherboard (IDE controller)
CPU
Possibly its serial number if a Pentium III was involved
Amount of RAM

That you can just get away with - but there may be other changes either
made in the past or implicit (eg onboard video and NIC).

You should start by setting to boot CD before Hard disk, and doing a
'repair reinstall. Boot the XP CD, start Setup (do not take `Repair` at
this stage), then after the license agreement take `Repair
Installation`. This will retain your existing software installations
and most settings. But Updates will have to be run again, especially
SP1; It is important to activate the basic XP Firewall before you ever
connect to the net to get the patches, so as to be protected against
things like the BLAST worm.

Always back up essential data before doing any major system operation
like this,

If so, will I encounter problems re-activating XP?

At the most you will have to boot to Safe Mode (all you will be able to
do); run
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Activate Windows
and use the 'activate by phone' option. Call the toll free number
given, describe circumstances, and swap one long number (and check it
back) then receive another to type in. Not such a big deal - about 10
minutes, if you are expecting it