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Windows XP OEM activation question

Question
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I have a copy of Windows XP Pro OEM that I purchased when I built my computer. My computer went down today, and I have a feeling that I may need to replace my motherboard, but I'm still doing some work on nailing down my exact problem. I know that I'll trigger reactivation if I put a new motherboard and processor in, so I'd like to know in advance if I'll be able to reactivate before I buy new parts, since this will determine what I buy. The only things that would stay the same would be the hard drives, DVD drives, and the sound card, but I'm not sure if the sound card counts. Thanks for reading my question, and for any help anybody can give me!Friday, February 23, 2007 2:34 AM
Answers
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Hi Manualfax,
It sounds like your question is regarding Product Activation and not Windows Genuine Advantage related. Although your question is out of scope for the support here, I think I can answer your question.
If I understand correctly, you think you will have to reactivate your Windows after changing out your Motherboard, that is correct. (Changing out any other hardware may or may not trigger a reactivation scenario, depending on which and how may components are changed, but Motherboard changes are an automatic reactivation).
If I understand correctly, you are asking if you will BE ABLE to reactivate your Windows after the change. As long as you are using Genuine Windows Software and a Genuine Product Key (that belongs to you) I, of course, can not make any Guarantees, as I do not know all the details, but I don't foresee any problems.Note: You may not, however, be able to reactivate over the internet and will be required to use the Active by Phone method (takes a few mins longer, is all) and just explain, to the Activation Agent, that you did a hardware upgrade.
If you are, in fact, asking about Validating the Genuine status of your Windows install using WGA, then, again, as long as you are using Genuine Windows Software and a Genuine Product Key (that belongs to you) I, of course, can not make any Guarantees, as I do not know all the details, but I don't foresee any problems.
Hope that helps,
Darin SmithFriday, February 23, 2007 3:14 AM
All replies
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Hi Manualfax,
It sounds like your question is regarding Product Activation and not Windows Genuine Advantage related. Although your question is out of scope for the support here, I think I can answer your question.
If I understand correctly, you think you will have to reactivate your Windows after changing out your Motherboard, that is correct. (Changing out any other hardware may or may not trigger a reactivation scenario, depending on which and how may components are changed, but Motherboard changes are an automatic reactivation).
If I understand correctly, you are asking if you will BE ABLE to reactivate your Windows after the change. As long as you are using Genuine Windows Software and a Genuine Product Key (that belongs to you) I, of course, can not make any Guarantees, as I do not know all the details, but I don't foresee any problems.Note: You may not, however, be able to reactivate over the internet and will be required to use the Active by Phone method (takes a few mins longer, is all) and just explain, to the Activation Agent, that you did a hardware upgrade.
If you are, in fact, asking about Validating the Genuine status of your Windows install using WGA, then, again, as long as you are using Genuine Windows Software and a Genuine Product Key (that belongs to you) I, of course, can not make any Guarantees, as I do not know all the details, but I don't foresee any problems.
Hope that helps,
Darin SmithFriday, February 23, 2007 3:14 AM -
I sent almost the same question just a few minutes ago. As I came to the site through google I didn't see your notes about what not to post.
This answers my question and I would ask you to delete my original memo that I posted in your internet error area. I was originally looking for why I was getting an error 0x80080101 when windows tried to verify over the internet.
Friday, February 23, 2007 7:25 PM -
Hi Racline,
I'm unable to find your original post, so was unable to delete it. But I am glad that we answered your question.
Thanks,
Darin SmithFriday, February 23, 2007 7:45 PM