See:
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/bas...sproductactivationtechnicalmarketbulletin.doc
(It's an MS Word document, 8 pages.)
The short answer is that swapping the CPU should not, in itself, be enough
to require re-activation of Windows. (Replacing the CPU *and mainboard*
would usually require at least a repair installation, which would have to be
re-activated.)
Even if you have to re-activate, it's not a major problem. The most severe
case is where you'd have to explain the upgrade to Microsoft rep by
telephone (toll-free in the USA), and receive a new activation code. It a
bit tedious, but it takes only about 5 minutes.
I have had only one hitch with activation: once, the central activation
database server was down, which meant that activation was not available by
any means. (After a few hours wait, I was able to complete re-activation via
the Net.) That was approximately a year ago; I haven't seen that problem
again.
HTH.
Bob Knowlden
Spam dodger may be in use. Replace nkbob with bobkn.
