Windows XP and hardware upgrades.

[cadaveca]

NO need for any bypass...I've run the same key on every single motherboard I have had in the last ...oh...5 years, from an EMachines SKT-A box. It's been on at least 30 different configs, 8 different harddrives, and each time I've jsut called them up, got my code, and been on my merry way...

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

NO need for any bypass...I've run the same key on every single motherboard I have had in the last ...oh...5 years, from an EMachines SKT-A box. It's been on at least 30 different configs, 8 different harddrives, and each time I've jsut called them up, got my code, and been on my merry way...

Same here.

[3.0charlie]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

NO need for any bypass...I've run the same key on every single motherboard I have had in the last ...oh...5 years, from an EMachines SKT-A box. It's been on at least 30 different configs, 8 different harddrives, and each time I've jsut called them up, got my code, and been on my merry way...

Ditto. Countless times. Had to talk to a human once or twice.

[pscout]

I believe there is also a time parameter involved ... if you haven't installed/ activated it within 6 mos or so activation should work normally regardless of hardware changes.

On the mobo differences ... if the chipset is changed you my may have to do a repair if windows won't boot ... after windows installer detects your existing wxp it will ask if you want to repair existing install ... answer yes and it will save you having to reinstall all your apps.

Of course if you want an absolutely clean install, do a format and install it fresh ... but this is a lot more work if you have a lot of apps to install and update.

[DurkaDurka]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

You should not be getting a live person any more. You should be answering a voice prompt first. this is the reason for the "Windows Update Silent Update" that some have been complaining about as of late.


Also of note is that if the chipset is different than your first board, there's a good chance that windows won't load at all, depending on where the drive controller was located on the old board VS the new board...

I have to do the phone activation after I enter my key and get a "Sorry, this key is already in use message". Then I have to type a huge string out on the phone only to be given the same message again, then I finally get to talk to some csr in India.

[chibi_man]

OH that would make my day. India is the last place I want my tech support to come from. Sadly 90% of any tech support is there..:(
I would feel better walking into the Toronto office.

[Jmac]

Originally Posted by cadaveca

NO need for any bypass...I've run the same key on every single motherboard I have had in the last ...oh...5 years, from an EMachines SKT-A box. It's been on at least 30 different configs, 8 different harddrives, and each time I've jsut called them up, got my code, and been on my merry way...

Bypass takes less time than phoning up MS ... and the less time, the better, IMO ...

[Babrbarossa]

I just built another computer here with parts I had around here, and I used my windows XP MCE05 copy that was on this computer that I used to upgrade to Vista from- I was worried that there might be some sort of problems with this one if I used the license number on th eother computer, but no problems that I can see. I did the clean istall trick with the Vista upgrade DVD, so I wonder if that's why the license number is free and clear.

[tyreman]

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
Good site.

Details on product activation for XP with newest changes.

This guy goes over it in laymens terms pretty much.