Vista activation troubles

Cynic Jester

I had an issue with my computer a few weeks ago and had to change my Mobo. Now Vista refuses to accept my product key, as it is "already in use". But seeing as the only place it has already been in use is this computer, I'm kinda confused as to how to get it working again. Anyone got any tips?

Ruckus

You'll need to do a telephone activation with microsoft.

Cynic Jester

Through the tech support lines that cost $texas?

Ruckus

no, there should be a telephone activation option, which provides you with the number to call.

Cynic Jester

Thanks, much obliged.

Microsoft really could do with making that information clearer.

Primesghost

For the record I think this rule is BS but when you call Microsoft don't tell them you replaced the motherboard. Tell them that the hard drive crashed or something like that because according to Microsoft you now are required to buy a new copy of Windows. No, I'm not joking, a new motherboard constitutes a signifigant hardware change and MS says that means you have to buy a new liscense for Windows.

Ruckus

Primesghost wrote: »

For the record I think this rule is BS but when you call Microsoft don't tell them you replaced the motherboard. Tell them that the hard drive crashed or something like that because according to Microsoft you now are required to buy a new copy of Windows. No, I'm not joking, a new motherboard constitutes a signifigant hardware change and MS says that means you have to buy a new liscense for Windows.

I've told microsoft about motherboard replacements a hundred times and they've never whined about it.

Morskittar

Ruckus wrote: »

Primesghost wrote: »

For the record I think this rule is BS but when you call Microsoft don't tell them you replaced the motherboard. Tell them that the hard drive crashed or something like that because according to Microsoft you now are required to buy a new copy of Windows. No, I'm not joking, a new motherboard constitutes a signifigant hardware change and MS says that means you have to buy a new liscense for Windows.

I've told microsoft about motherboard replacements a hundred times and they've never whined about it.

OEM EULAs state only that the license is tied to the "original device", which is undefined. It's basically in place to enforce an OEM license as a "subscription" for the life of the original machine on which it was installed. This does *not* restrict the license from being used if hardware is replaced by the "system builder" (whoever installed the license), rather than upgraded.

Outside of the licensing requirements, the OS uses some sort of points system to determine if it will activate. This points system is unpublished, as far as I've ever seen. Basically, if you change a hard drive and video card, it won't stop online reactivation. If you change the motherboard, it will. As per the licensing requirements above, if you replace the mobo, it's not the "original device", unless it was replaced in case of a failure.

Telling the activation person that it's the original device should be enough to get it activated.

Also, support is generally included for Retail Windows boxes, intended for installation help so it's free for 90 days after activation or the first call. Reference.

OEM licenses aren't an agreement between Microsoft and the end user, but between the System Builder (installer) and end user. As such, MS doesn't offer any warranty support; you'll have to contact the system builder/OEM... or do your own support if you installed it. Reference.