Really need help with my computer; windows activation

[karimali831]

Hi,

I replaced my existing INTEL motherboard with AMD Athlon and used the existing same hardware not including IDE, I use SATA instead.

It's now asking me to activte windows does this mean I have purchase a new copy of windows genuine?! When trying to activate windows; I used the sticker at the back of the box and it doesn't work.. maybe because it was previously activated with my old PC.

[Pumazooma]

I've reinstalled my copy of XP at least 10 times (built new computers, had some HD deaths, even put it on a PC partition of my MacBook). Never had any problems.

[Administrator]

Hello Karim, Please refer http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918342 to reset Windows Serial Key on your computer.

[jon123]

It depends on whether you have a retail version (use many times) or a OEM version
If you change the mobo on an oem version then you have problems i'm afraid, especially if you are refering to vista.

[Pumazooma]

Originally Posted by jon123

It depends on whether you have a retail version (use many times) or a OEM version
If you change the mobo on an oem version then you have problems i'm afraid, especially if you are refering to vista.

I have the OEM XP and built a 100% new computer only 2 weeks ago. It installed and authorised first time with no bother.

[jon123]

Originally Posted by Pumazooma

I have the OEM XP and built a 100% new computer only 2 weeks ago. It installed and authorised first time with no bother.

Never heard of that! Where may i ask is your oem version from? All oem are either tied to hardware and manufacturer (dell, hp, etc) or just the hardware. Only retail versions can be activated multiple times on DIFFERENT machines as far as i am aware.

And Vista is more so.

[Pumazooma]

I bought it from Overclockers. It's just the CD and the keycode and the little booklet.

I bought it about 2 years ago I think.

I had a double HD failure just before xmas so it's been on at least my old PC, 2 new HDs, my Macbook and my new PC I built 2 weeks ago. All installed and activated with no complaints.

[karimali831]

Annoys me more that I'm the only one glued with this issue and that no one has had this problem.. and I have to keep using system recovery until I buy a new copy and HOPING there is windows XP still for sale

I'll have a go at what you sent me, it's just a minor chance though.. I bet.
I don't know how comes you can use your CD key over and over again and I can't.

Even when using the same manufacturers system recovery disc, in which case Emachines who are tend to be really crap.

[jon123]

I know when Xp was relatively new that you could install it on another system (not legally) even though the oem version is tied to the build and not the person. But in all honesty I thought those days were gone with the new type of microsoft validation software they use.
I thought that now the serial is checked against previous builds and although you could install it, it would not validate nor update.

I am a bit confused by this. If Pumazooma you are able to use it then I am mistaken, just suprised I guess.

Anyway, just for future reference for anyone who is thinking of buying Vista OEM. From my own experiance, the OEM will only work on one build. If you exchange hardware (for instance a motherboard), you will need to purchase another OS

[karimali831]

Ok.. where's best place to buy it? Pricing?

Preferred:-

Windows Centre Edition
(As I previously had this version)
Windows Professional
OR Windows XP Home Edition

Thanks in advance

[jon123]

I have used cclonline.com for many years, for all my hardware and some of my software as well. You may find cheaper elsewhere though for software.

[karimali831]

Thanks Jon

[karimali831]

Well now I activated my windows... every time I login it says you must activate windows in this amount of days do you wish to activate windows now yes or no.

Click on either it will still log me in, how can I make this message disappear?

[Administrator]

Hello Karim, Please refer my first reply to this thread. I am quite sure it will help you to get rid of this problem.

[karimali831]

This is about changing the product key not about removing the message, should I still proceed? Remember when it says you have this amount of days to activate windows, if I click on no or yes it will still log me in, this means my windows must be activated.

I think it's best if I wait for 3 days as it says you have 3 days left to activate windows and see what happens. All I know is if it does take my to the activation screen.......... AHH