activate windows problem

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Guest

Sorry if this is in the wrong Newsgroup, but I could not find another place
to ask this question. I recently had my motherboard replaced and nothing
else. When I got it back, it asked for me to activate Windows again when I
did nothing but replace the motherboard. I tried putting in my Windows CD
Key, but it keeps telling me that I have the wrong CD Key. I have Windows XP
Home Edition. Please help me solve this problem.
 
jreddevil07 said:
Sorry if this is in the wrong Newsgroup, but I could not find another place
to ask this question. I recently had my motherboard replaced and nothing
else. When I got it back, it asked for me to activate Windows again when I
did nothing but replace the motherboard. I tried putting in my Windows CD
Key, but it keeps telling me that I have the wrong CD Key. I have Windows XP
Home Edition. Please help me solve this problem.
Click to expand...

Was the motherboard replaced by an identical model, or at least one
that came from the same manufacturer as your original computer?

Your problem has a couple of different possible causes:

1. If your Windows XP is a BIOS Locked OEM version and if your new
motherboard was not from the computer manufacturer then you will
encounter this situation. BIOS Locked OEM versions are used by most
major and medium sized computer manufacturers. These versions are
self-activating when installed on a motherboard from that specific
manufacturer but require online activation if installed on a
motherboard from some other company. As of 1 March 2005 these
versions will no longer activate over the Internet and Microsoft will
normally decline telephone requests to activate them.

2. If your Windows XP is a retail version, a generic (not BIOS
Locked) OEM version from a small manufacturer/assembler, or a volume
license version then it may be necessary for you to do a Repair
Install in order to configure it correctly to work with the new
motherboard as per http://michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm


I suspect that the first item is the more likely cause of the problems
but in order to be certain we need to know:
- the make and model of your computer
- the source of the Windows XP installed on it (did it come with the
computer when it was new or did you purchase it separately)
- the make of the replacement motherboard that was installed, and also
the reason for doing the replacement. The reason for replacing the
board may help to resolve the issue.

Good luck

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

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm
 
It is true, you do have the wrong activate code, call the 1800 number it
gives you, give them your CD'S KEY CODE and the code listed on your system,
then they will give you a new ACTIVATE CODE, also was your former computer a
name brand ie; Dell, Compaq, Gateway, if so and now you are using say an ASUS
mother board to build a kick butt system, that might be a problem with the
license.
Let me know if this helps!
 
thank you so much for the help. i'll look into these options further and
hopefully get everything set straight :).
 
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