replacing a CPU and XP activation

  • Thread starter Thread starter rarewolf
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rarewolf

When a specific software refused to install properly, I upgraded from
Win2k Pro to WinXP Pro. Then, I come to realize the software wouldn't
work properly because my CPU was a PII, when a PIII was required. As
it turns out my ASUS mobo will support the CPU upgrade, and I will
install the new CPU soon, along with a RAM upgrade to 1Gb.

My question concerns the current XP install recognizing the properties
and capabilities of the new CPU(?) ... or, if I need to re-install the
OS, how will the current activation affect the result? Additionally,
can I also re-format the drive?

Is my problem as easy as calling Microsoft and explaining my situation?
Who do I call?

MVPs please advise ...

TIA and cheerios from the Avalon Peninsula :o)
 
Subsequent searching found this excellent and straightforward article:

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

It doesn't answer my question regarding the current XP install fully
recognizing all capabilities of the new CPU, but it does imply I
shouldn't be concerned with re-installing. While the article describes
the "votes" regarding the new 'cpu', 'memory' and 'volume SN', and how
they affect any requirement to re-activate, it doesn't make it clear
how they add up and if I'll need to phone Microsoft.

For making the list of new device as short as possible, I may choose to
delete all files, rather than re-formatting. This raises the following
questions:

(1) How, and at what point, do I delete all files? (note that
re-installing applications is not a concern, and all my data files are
on a separate drive.)

(2) Is there a XP installation option I should be aware of? For
example, I have read there is an option for "repairing the
installation" (as if there's no need to delete the current
installation), but I wonder if this will properly recognize the new
CPU(?)

After realizing my concerns, I now know that I should finalize all
device changes. For example, of my 2 DVD drives, the better (faster)
one is currently installed as a slave. I'll either remove the slower
one, or make it the slave.

Finally, the article makes reference to XP service packs. It would
seem to imply, because my XP installation disk includes SP2 that I will
be allowed to re-activate within a certain time period (3 days?). I'll
probably try to accomplish my project on a weekend ... how will
Microsoft availability affect my timing? (e.g., is their activation
phone 24-7?)

As to Alias' reply ... thank you, and I assume you're speaking of
re-installing WinXP, as opposed to replacing the CPU and memory, and
simply re-booting(?)

cheerios :o)
 
Just put the CPU and memory in and don't worry about it. I just put a new
AMDXP 3000+, faster memory, a new video card and a second hard drive and
didn't even have to activate OR renintstall.

Now, if you do enough changing (a CPU and memory is not enough), a bubble
will come up to activate, NOT reinstall. Click on it and it will activate
without problems.

It's amazing how people are afraid of Microsoft.

Alias
 
Alias writes ...
It's amazing how people are afraid of Microsoft ...
Click to expand...

It isn't Microsoft I'm afraid of ... it's doing the job correctly, and
with fewest hassles.

If what you say is true ... then it should be completely hassle-free
.... but I do want to be prepared ;-)

Thanx for your reply ...

cheerios :o)
 
rarewolf said:
Alias writes ...


It isn't Microsoft I'm afraid of ... it's doing the job correctly, and
with fewest hassles.
Click to expand...

And one of those hassles is dealing with Microsoft's
you-are-a-thief-until-you-prove-otherwise Product Activation.
If what you say is true ... then it should be completely hassle-free
... but I do want to be prepared ;-)

Thanx for your reply ...

cheerios :o)
Click to expand...

You're welcome and good luck. Let us know how it went.

Alias
 
rarewolf said:
Alias writes ...


It isn't Microsoft I'm afraid of ... it's doing the job correctly, and
with fewest hassles.

If what you say is true ... then it should be completely hassle-free
... but I do want to be prepared ;-)
Click to expand...

Replacing a CPU and RAM especially on an older system will probably not be
hassle free. Most older boards used DIP switches and/or jumpers to set CPU
voltage, bus speed etc. It can be a hassle to get the new CPU running at the
proper speed. Same for the RAM. If you are mixing new RAM with vintage RAM
you sometimes run into problems where they don't like one another (timing
issues) and you have to remove the old RAM. Make sure you have your
motherboard manual handy before you start.

Once you do get the system running there should be no problem with
activating. I have never had to activate because of changing a CPU and RAM.
That doesn't mean it won't happen just that it is unlikely. The worst case
scenario is it asks for re-activation and the Internet activation fails and
you have to phone. I have done this many times on many different systems
when making much more extensive upgrades. Explain to the person on the phone
what you have done and they will give you an activation code. Even including
time on hold it has never taken longer than ten minutes, usually less than
five.

Kerry
 
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