New XP Pro install on broken PC

  • Thread starter Thread starter Geoff B.
  • Start date Start date
G

Geoff B.

Several months ago I built an all new PC and it
consistently hung after 5-20 minutes of operation under
WinXP Pro. I may have to change either the mainboard or
power supply. I was able to rule out almost everything
else.
My question is; With XP, what hardware am I allowed to
change and still be able to use the OS?
Additional info; Before registering the OS I tried 2
different HDDs, 3 kinds (speed, size, brand) of RAM, 2
graphics cards and about all the BIOS settings I could
change on EPoX 8rda+ with an AthlonXP 2800+. Also had to
reinstall the OS 5 or 6 times. The first boot after I
registered the OS the system crashed with a corrupt OS. I
have not had the time or patience to work on it since
then, but now am ready to try again ...
 
Hi Geoff,

You can change all the hardware if you like, it's just that your
reactivation may need to be phoned in. Either way, with a retail version of
WinXP, you won't be left out in the cold. Read up on WPA from MVP Alex
Nichol here:

http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

Please note, that if you have an OEM full version, you may have a problem.
They are usually locked to the first system they are installed on. If you
change too much of the hardware, then it will see it as a new machine and
activation will not be allowed. This is a limitation of the cheaper OEM
version.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
Thanks, Rick.
That's good news and a bit of a load off my mind!
There are just too many rumors and disinfo out there ..
 
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