Safe Mode restarts over and over after mobo change.

[Guest]

Greetings,
I have another issue with a PC here on the desk I've ran into in the past,
but would really love to hear if there is a work-around or method to save the
Windows license!

Situation-
Owner of semi-new PC/OEM built with damaged COA sticker on case has a
motherboard failure. No problem, replace the motherboard and re-install...

Problem is when COA is damaged or illegible so as COA isn't readable.
Again, no problem as I'll normally just boot-up in Safe Mode and use Magical
Jellybean Keyfinder to obtain the COA # and then re-install...

Well, every now and then, we'll get a similar (but not precise) replacement
motherboard and Safe Mode will get into a boot/restart/boot/restart pattern
where the system fails to boot into normal or safe mode.

Is there a way to get Safe Mode to work when it's stuck in this pattern? In
the past, I've always just told the customer to heave a sigh and fork out for
a new Windows license. I'd like to know if there is a better way.

I always cover all the bases, such as disabling ACPI, PIC, Hyperthreading
and any other hardware options in the BIOS and try Safe Mode again. Finding
a precise replacement motherboard for a failed unit isn't always possible or
even practical.

Is there a way to post-mortem "sysprep" a system using the CD in such a way
to retain the COA? Once I've got even the slightest pulse of a desktop, I
just extract the key then re-install fresh anyways... so I'm not interested
in trying to re-configure new hardware on an old install.. it's just for
cases where the OEM slapped the sticker on the outside door or other
illogical place where it gets damaged, abused or partially torn so as some of
the digits are illegible.

Any tips/hints/insights?

 

[Ron Martell]

Greetings,
I have another issue with a PC here on the desk I've ran into in the past,
but would really love to hear if there is a work-around or method to save the
Windows license!

Situation-
Owner of semi-new PC/OEM built with damaged COA sticker on case has a
motherboard failure. No problem, replace the motherboard and re-install...

Problem is when COA is damaged or illegible so as COA isn't readable.
Again, no problem as I'll normally just boot-up in Safe Mode and use Magical
Jellybean Keyfinder to obtain the COA # and then re-install...

Well, every now and then, we'll get a similar (but not precise) replacement
motherboard and Safe Mode will get into a boot/restart/boot/restart pattern
where the system fails to boot into normal or safe mode.

Is there a way to get Safe Mode to work when it's stuck in this pattern? In
the past, I've always just told the customer to heave a sigh and fork out for
a new Windows license. I'd like to know if there is a better way.

I always cover all the bases, such as disabling ACPI, PIC, Hyperthreading
and any other hardware options in the BIOS and try Safe Mode again. Finding
a precise replacement motherboard for a failed unit isn't always possible or
even practical.

Is there a way to post-mortem "sysprep" a system using the CD in such a way
to retain the COA? Once I've got even the slightest pulse of a desktop, I
just extract the key then re-install fresh anyways... so I'm not interested
in trying to re-configure new hardware on an old install.. it's just for
cases where the OEM slapped the sticker on the outside door or other
illogical place where it gets damaged, abused or partially torn so as some of
the digits are illegible.

Any tips/hints/insights?

Product key recovery where disk is not bootable but is still readable:
http://www.dagondesign.com/articles/windows-xp-product-key-recovery/

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2008)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Guest]

Thank you so much Ron!
The ntusers.dat extraction worked like a charm and we've gotten the key,
fresh re-install and re-activated without a hitch.