How many items can be replaced before Windows OEM (both XP pro 32bit and Vista ultimate 64bit) will refuse to activate? I am looking at replacing the hard disk and the processor, I have already replaced the graphics card some time ago.
OEM Windows - replacing components
- Thread starter Spark123
- Start date
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I remember one of the guys at our place forgot to use our Coporate edition once before creating an image and since we had deployed it we ran with it. I think if I remember correctly we were getting approximately 5/6 activations per OEM license key.
Graphics card / processor shouldn't make a difference as they are standard upgrades, but if you're replacing your hard drive then you will need to reinstall from fresh, therefore have to reactivate, also I've been told it's the same if you replace the motherboard (as it looks like it's a new computer to XP).
Graphics card / processor shouldn't make a difference as they are standard upgrades, but if you're replacing your hard drive then you will need to reinstall from fresh, therefore have to reactivate, also I've been told it's the same if you replace the motherboard (as it looks like it's a new computer to XP).
The motherboard is going to remain the same for now, I realise I will need to do a fresh installation hence will need to go through the activation process on both editions of windows when I replace the hard disk. Just wondered if anyone can see any major problems with it? I suppose a replacement hard disk will be OK on the grounds that the old one has gone faulty (it hasn't yet btw). Will it be better to replace the hard disk, reload windows etc, then at a later date replace the processor?
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Replacing the processor won't make any difference either now or in the future. As for the hard disk then yes they do go faulty / become full and need upgrading etc. I think you will find that both editions will activate with no problems! I've just remembered doing a job for someone a while back and they'd had major problems with a pc they built themselves and I think they had done more activations than were allowed as were changing the motherboard / reloading windows a few times etc. but one quick call to Microsoft and they gave me a code to activate it.
I think what you need to bear in mind is that licensed software is open to piracy, and whilst you are doing nothing illegal, someone else could abuse the system so Microsoft are really trying to compromise giving some flexibility but still trying to cut down on piracy.
I think what you need to bear in mind is that licensed software is open to piracy, and whilst you are doing nothing illegal, someone else could abuse the system so Microsoft are really trying to compromise giving some flexibility but still trying to cut down on piracy.
If you're replacing a hard disk that's still working then you have choices - you don't have to reinstall Windows.
For example, you could clone the disk - there are various ways of doing this.
However, even when cloning, Windows will force re-activation, but with an Internet connection this is usually perfunctory and nearly seamless.
For example, you could clone the disk - there are various ways of doing this.
However, even when cloning, Windows will force re-activation, but with an Internet connection this is usually perfunctory and nearly seamless.
I work in an IT Support Company. We are always having to reactivate Windows on OEM's when the HDs have gone wrong or Spyware has buggered it over.
I have found that even if you have to reactivate using the phone if the online one has failed it is still OK. They may ask you questions like:
Q: How many computers is the copy installed on:
A: 1
Q: Why are you reactivating:
A: Because my HD died.
Microsoft don't know any different!
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I have found that even if you have to reactivate using the phone if the online one has failed it is still OK. They may ask you questions like:
Q: How many computers is the copy installed on:
A: 1
Q: Why are you reactivating:
A: Because my HD died.
Microsoft don't know any different!
Ad.
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