reactivation if computer is returned to (mostly) previous hardware

[beemer]

My XP prof SP1 is an legitimate OEM version but the OEM company no longer
exists. It had all Microsoft updates including SP3.

I had a socket 939 motherboard (now obsolete) failure but I managed to get
an exact replacement. Unfortunately the computer shop I had asked to test
the motherboad returned my AMD64 4000+ saying that it had also failed (?)
so I then bought a new AMD64 3800+ from them and rebooted.

Now Windows has reported that my system has had "significant hardware
change" and Windows requires reactivation within 3 days. This was my error
as I had kept restarting windows with

(a) various hard disc and raid setups
(b) reduced dimm chips (4 to 2)
(c) bios upgrade

to try to check out the failing motherboard.

I have the original Windows key label stuck on my case. Before I use the
automated WPA I am concerned that it will reject the online activation (due
to the reported hardware change/s) and that then I will get into an argument
with MS telephone activation people.

All this trouble is because, as I have already experienced, the OEM
software is a "restore disc" which apparently must reformat the boot disc
before installing XP Prof SP1.

Am I being paranoid!

regards,

Beemer

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My XP prof SP1 is an legitimate OEM version but the OEM company no
longer exists. It had all Microsoft updates including SP3.

I had a socket 939 motherboard (now obsolete) failure but I
managed to get an exact replacement. Unfortunately the computer
shop I had asked to test the motherboad returned my AMD64 4000+
saying that it had also failed (?) so I then bought a new AMD64
3800+ from them and rebooted.
Now Windows has reported that my system has had "significant
hardware change" and Windows requires reactivation within 3 days. This
was my error as I had kept restarting windows with

(a) various hard disc and raid setups
(b) reduced dimm chips (4 to 2)
(c) bios upgrade

to try to check out the failing motherboard.

I have the original Windows key label stuck on my case. Before I
use the automated WPA I am concerned that it will reject the online
activation (due to the reported hardware change/s) and that then I
will get into an argument with MS telephone activation people.

All this trouble is because, as I have already experienced, the OEM
software is a "restore disc" which apparently must reformat the
boot disc before installing XP Prof SP1.

Am I being paranoid!

Activate the computer.
If it fails online - select telephone activation.
If you have to - explain just what you did to the operator (if you even have
to speak to a real person at all.)

If you get into an argument with the Microsoft telephone activation people
(if you even end up speaking to a human) - it is because you choose to.

 

[beemer]

Activate the computer.
If it fails online - select telephone activation.
If you have to - explain just what you did to the operator (if you even
have to speak to a real person at all.)

If you get into an argument with the Microsoft telephone activation people
(if you even end up speaking to a human) - it is because you choose to.

Shenan,

Thanks for your advice.

regards,

Beemer