PC Upgrade

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gordon
  • Start date Start date
G

Gordon

I have just upgraded my mainboard, processor, ram,
graphics card e.t.c, however now I can't activate my
version of windows, it is an OEM version that I bought
from a shop as I built the computer myself. Could someone
please tell me how to get a new code so I can activate my
windows again.
I live in the UK and don't want to phone the US if I can
help it.
Many Thanks.
 
Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

Once you upgrade to a different motherboard, your Windows XP
OEM license is no longer valid since it is tied to the originally hardware
configuration. Therefore, you'll need to purchase a new Windows
XP license, preferably a "Retail Version", so you do not have this
problem again when upgrading hardware.

OEM versions of Windows XP:

-- cannot be transferred to a different computer in the future
-- the license cannot be sold or transferred to another user
-- are not eligible for free Microsoft technical support
-- must be purchased with some type of computer hardware
-- any problems whatsoever with the installation CD or Product Key
is not eligible for Microsoft support....you have to deal with the "seller".
-- cost less than "retail versions" due to the above limitations/risks

Should you purchase an OEM license version of XP?
http://www.tek-tips.com/gfaqs.cfm/pid/779/fid/4004

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


|I have just upgraded my mainboard, processor, ram,
| graphics card e.t.c, however now I can't activate my
| version of windows, it is an OEM version that I bought
| from a shop as I built the computer myself. Could someone
| please tell me how to get a new code so I can activate my
| windows again.
| I live in the UK and don't want to phone the US if I can
| help it.
| Many Thanks.
 
Greetings --

Normally, and assuming a retail license (many OEM installations
and licenses are not transferable to a new motherboard - check yours
_before_ starting), unless the new motherboard is virtually identical
(same chipset, same IDE controllers, same BIOS version, etc.) to the
one on which the 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, unless you have a Volume
Licensed version of WinXP Pro installed. 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
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH
 
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