View Full Version : Vista OEM Re-activation issues
Hi There, I have Windows Vista ultimate Edition OEM preinstalled on my pc, i also have the disk to reinstall. i am going to upgrade my graphics card, hard drive, mobo and processor but all at different intervals, what wud be the deal with reactivation of windows and what would i have to do. Also how many times could i do it if i were to upgrade the pc at different intervals for example my mobo and HD first and then later on a new processor and graphics card, Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks...
jacobzcoool
24-03-2007, 12:21
AFAIK it is the same as XP, in which case if you reactivate it too many times in a short while you have to phone up and activate it after saying 'no, it is only installed on one system' etc etc to a M$ person.
Vista OEM is tied to the motherboard. Once you've changed the motherboard, you need a new license. The only time you'll get around this is if the motherboard is a replacement for a faulty board.
Cheers,
Stephen
Can you just tell them the motherboard is faulty?
It's not like they can check if you're lying...
jacobzcoool
24-03-2007, 13:23
Does a drill bit through the chipset count as faulty? :p
What about a 'failed' chipset cooling fan?
Well, I can't see Microsoft asking for proof the board is faulty.
Cheers
Stephen
yeh thanks, iv heard around that u can jst tell the woman on the MS phoneline tht ur mobo hardware gt fried by ur power supply or smmet any1 had any experience with trying this?
thanks...
I understood what you said, but you're using a computer mate. You have 104+ keys at your disposal; not a 10 number keypad on a mobile phone.
(I don't have Vista so I can't answer your question, sorry)
They will tell you to contact your PC manufaturer if your Mobo is faulty. You cant get past it these days.
What's the PC manufacturer supposed to do about it? Buy you another license?
Strikes me as unfair that even when you call them up they won't take things case by case... It's the same computer after all...
jacobzcoool
25-03-2007, 14:08
Contact the system manufacturer?
"hi Jacob, I need a new mobo"
"no, it isn't really dead"
:rolleyes:
It's the same computer after all...
how do they know that though. as far as they know you could just be spinning them a line.
nicky munchkin
25-03-2007, 16:35
Just buy another liscence. If you need to keep installing windows 10 times a year then google "anti virus"/"anti spyware", and stop trying to con a company. Your basically no better than walking into a shop and theiving a can of Red Bull!
Of course if your board genuinely broke etc. then try and get a new free liscence.
This strikes me as unfair though, the license is tied to the mobo to identify a single computer and prevent the OS being installed on another computer.
Changing your mobo is not changing the computer. If you ask me, this is a false positive, where someone is getting singled out for hounestly wanting to upgrade their machine, not use their license on another machine.
I mean, you're talking about stealing here, and this isn't stealing. This is microsoft trying to stop a problem, and their method is affecting an honest user.
Well its simple, If your PC is faulty, You take it back to the store or manufacturer who will repair it for you, including replacing your Product key. i think some people need to read the details on what OEM means, instead of thinking its a cheap full version of windows without limitations.
Cable Monkey
25-03-2007, 22:53
It is possible that if the replacement board is the same it may not be an issue?
nope, iirc it uses some kind of hardware code. Which is unique to each board. But im not 100% on this as i have not tried it.
nicky munchkin
26-03-2007, 08:46
uuhh;398152']nope, iirc it uses some kind of hardware code. Which is unique to each board. But im not 100% on this as i have not tried it.You'd think they would change this as no one is going to buy an identical board as they had before unless the other was faulty.
This strikes me as unfair though, the license is tied to the mobo to identify a single computer and prevent the OS being installed on another computer.
Changing your mobo is not changing the computer. If you ask me, this is a false positive, where someone is getting singled out for hounestly wanting to upgrade their machine, not use their license on another machine.
I mean, you're talking about stealing here, and this isn't stealing. This is microsoft trying to stop a problem, and their method is affecting an honest user.
i completley agree users are being punished for simpley wanting to upgrade their computers honestly, what exactly would the issue be if a mobo was geniunly broke i mean it all seems a bit unfair,,,,,,,,,, anyway guys thanks for all ur feedback.
Many Thanks
FlyingHaggis
26-03-2007, 10:46
uuhh;398032']They will tell you to contact your PC manufaturer if your Mobo is faulty. You cant get past it these days.
Erm...yes you can. I've done it. You tell them about massive hardware failure.
thats what i told them, the indian lady said "Can you read what it says on your CD?" me: Yes. "Can you read it out to me" me: uh.. yes...
[quote] Licensed only for distrobution with a new pc, For product support, Contact the manufactorer of your PC"
Then she said. "Well then sir. There you go. Good bye, thanks for calling Microsoft!"
FlyingHaggis
26-03-2007, 11:26
Even though hardware failure happens all the time? I think you got an arrogant Microsoft "person".
Cable Monkey
26-03-2007, 11:42
Even though hardware failure happens all the time? I think you got an arrogant Microsoft "person".
Again, a reference to the term OEM would be useful. OEM means that apart from updates Microsoft are not the responsible party here. It gets difficult because we enthusiasts build our own, but if you buy your copy with a HDD like I did and the mobo fails we have no recourse in this scenario!! While we may feel agrieved about that, Microsoft have done their homework and know that the biggest transgressors regarding pirate copies were self builders. They are attempting to slam that door shut but have also shut the door on honest self builders. The answer is to splash the dosh and buy the retail version. :(
well afterall, it worked, didnt even need to provide an excuse i simply got asked if i had installed it on any other systems to which i obiously replied no, i was then given a new key.... this was after a processor mobo and hard drive change, just thought id let u all know how it turned out...
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.