Microsoft won't activate OEM WinXP...

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dpm

Golden Member
Apr 24, 2002
1,513
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Originally posted by: earthman
Last weekend I installed an upgrade package on the old system I keep at my mom's house to look at e-mail and stuff while I'm there. New CPU and mainboard, the usual...I wanted to be able to do a little gaming on it as well. This machine had a legal OEM full version of WinXP that I got when I put it together not long ago. When I called MS to activate it, they wouldn't do it. The guy said because I changed the mainboard it was a new computer and I had to buy a new version of Windows for it. Anyone else have this experience? I bought this CD less than 6 months ago...I don't get it...you could buy a new mainboard one day after you installed a bad one and be told you had to get a new Windows CD even though you just got it.

Just ring back, get someone else, and they'll say yes. You probably got the BOFH on a bad day or something ;)

edit: Although, I read a while ago about microsoft trying to cut down on stores selling OEM copies of windows with a case screw, and stuff like that. You say you built the computer yourself, and you bought an OEM windows cd - where did you get it from?
 

alent1234

Diamond Member
Dec 15, 2002
3,915
0
0
Originally posted by: dpm
Originally posted by: earthman
Last weekend I installed an upgrade package on the old system I keep at my mom's house to look at e-mail and stuff while I'm there. New CPU and mainboard, the usual...I wanted to be able to do a little gaming on it as well. This machine had a legal OEM full version of WinXP that I got when I put it together not long ago. When I called MS to activate it, they wouldn't do it. The guy said because I changed the mainboard it was a new computer and I had to buy a new version of Windows for it. Anyone else have this experience? I bought this CD less than 6 months ago...I don't get it...you could buy a new mainboard one day after you installed a bad one and be told you had to get a new Windows CD even though you just got it.

Just ring back, get someone else, and they'll say yes. You probably got the BOFH on a bad day or something ;)

<STRONG>edit: </STRONG>Although, I read a while ago about microsoft trying to cut down on stores selling OEM copies of windows with a case screw, and stuff like that. You say you built the computer yourself, and you bought an OEM windows cd - where did you get it from?


On ebay you can get copies of xp pro for $80. This is the real OEM version that is totally legit.
 

13black

Senior member
May 2, 2003
273
0
0
Man what a hassel. I'm realy starting to like my corporate edition, no activation, no hassels, and I can put it on as many machins as I have liceinces for.;)