Windows XP and upgrading PC.

[Westside]

Apparently Windows XP when it's activated, it takes on the unique value of the Motherboard and sends it, so that when the XP is installed on a different computer, activation will fail. Does anyone see a problem here?... What if my old motherboard fries and I need a new one? So I need to pay about $100 to buy a new legit XP?

 

[fischju]

Just if you have an OEM copy I think. If you get another mobo, you have to call Microsoft.

 

[Jiggah]

Unless I'm mistaken, you can call up MS and have them activate the new computer with the new board.

 

[hanman]

this is correct. if you are adept enough at social engineering, you can talk them into reactivating several times. they used to limit it to 5 times, but after much bitching by pissed off computer enthusiasts, they relented.

 

[FAST6191]

If it is legit (OEM machines are normally the exception and ironically usually the biggest pain to activate in a legit manner whenever someone wanted to do it) do you have a problem with bypassing the activation: they are not losing anything (and not even in the tenuous "I would not have paid for it anyway" manner).

 

[Gman 101]

Thing is, you can always called up M$ and tell them your computer died or something and you need a new CD key. They'll always happily give you one.

 

[Jhongerkong]

So I need to pay about $100 to buy a new legit XP?

You could just dl a torrent

 

[superrob]

Thing is, you can always called up M$ and tell them your computer died or something and you need a new CD key. They'll always happily give you one.

We are talking about microsoft here.

 

[Gman 101]

I know we're talking about Microsoft here. I've tried it before and it works. Or you could just go the cheap way and just get an activation crack.

Note: M$ = Micro$oft for those who don't know...