Question about Windows activation

[codyray10]

I recently upgraded my cpu/mobo and had to reinstall windows 8 and activate via phone and it went fine. However, I'm going to be taking the newly purchased motherboard back and getting a different one. Will I be able to reactivate windows on another mobo or am I going to get locked out and have to get a new license?

 

[abekl]

If you explain to MS that the MB was defective and this was the recommended replacement (wink) then you should be good to go.

 

[codyray10]

You think so? I was kind of worried because this would be the 3rd different motherboard installed with that license. Not sure how strict they are with multiple activations, this new board would be the 4th time using that retail key.

 

[SimMike2]

You think so? I was kind of worried because this would be the 3rd different motherboard installed with that license. Not sure how strict they are with multiple activations, this new board would be the 4th time using that retail key.

This was one thing I really liked about Windows 7 -- you didn't need to activate for thirty days, so you were really able to test your system and do multiple installs if it wasn't as you wanted. Or you could simply do a complete test install on a system, test it for a few days, and then get rid of it. You just needed to remember to uncheck the "activate when online" option.

 

[Anteaus]

You think so? I was kind of worried because this would be the 3rd different motherboard installed with that license. Not sure how strict they are with multiple activations, this new board would be the 4th time using that retail key.

It should be fine. Like abekl said, just explain it to them. I've never been denied an activation in the past and trust me there were a couple times where they probably had grounds to lol. I'm not saying it never happens, but as long as you answer the canned questions in a fashion that doesn't violate the license you should be good.

Is this copy of Windows installed on more than one computer? No

Did this copy of Windows come with the computer you are installing it on? Yes

That's usually all they need.

Btw way, regardless of why a call-in was triggered, I never had to go into any more detail than that. Spanning my XP and W7 OEM licenses, I've probably activated more than 30 times between the two of them. After the first 3-5 internet activations, call-ins were required so I've done it a few times haha. No call ever took more than 5 minutes unless the person on the other end had an especially thick indian accent.

 

[codyray10]

Good to know. Thanks for the info!