New Motherboard & Windows Activation

I just replaced my motherboard. It is the same chipset but a different brand. Everything else was the same.

Windows installed all the different drivers and everything is installed.
I did not reinstall Windows 7.

Windows showed I need to activate Windows again if I right click my computer and go to properties, so I did and now it shows it is activated. It never asked for anything.
The next day I got a pop up by the task bar saying from Microsoft security essentials saying something to the effect that Windows activation could not be verified (or something like that) and I will need to activate it within 30 days.
If I right click my computer & go to properties it shows windows is activated. That is where it showed I need to activate it right after the motherboard change and that is where I activated it from.

I then also updated Microsoft security essentials and all the windows updates thinking it might trigger the error again but nothing shows up.

I was thinking I might have a problem re-activating it as I bought the builder edition of Windows 7.

It should be activated right? or after 30 days is it going to pop up again?

Thanks

With OEM copies (the "Builder" copies), replacing the motherboard is considered an upgrade to a new system. Therefore, this is technically not allowed and I don't think anyone should expect it to work. The OEM EULA states that even upgrading just the motherboard means that the purchase of a new copy of Windows is required, mostly because the old Product Key is "married" to the motherboard it was activated with.

So, I don't know what you're facing here, but don't be surprised if it's really not activated.

Is there any difference between the builders edition and a true OEM version that the computer makers use?
I mean with reactivating it with hardware replacements?

When I worked as a tech at a boxed store I know I never had any problems calling them up on the automated line. I think once or twice I had to actually talk to a real person but was not a problem either.


Thanks

michaelrj9 said:

Is there any difference between the builders edition and a true OEM version that the computer makers use?
I mean with reactivating it with hardware replacements?

When I worked as a tech at a boxed store I know I never had any problems calling them up on the automated line. I think once or twice I had to actually talk to a real person but was not a problem either.


Thanks

No, they're just using "Builder" because too many people didn't understand "OEM".

Anyway, all I was saying is that for OEM, I can't publicly recommend or say or support replacing the motherboard without getting a new copy of Windows or somehow legitimately getting a new Product Key. At least, I can't do it on message boards like this.

Although, the fact that I said that could get me in trouble because it's obvious what I'm saying.