The PC OS World is Horrible

JerometheGiraff · 02 Sep 2011

What if the motherboard changes?

Barman58 · 02 Sep 2011

hardware changes are a fact of life with PC's and one that Microsoft understands and respects - the activation may fail when re-installing an OEM version after major hardware changes, but the system will provide you with a local Freephone number that ill connect you to a technician. Simply inform the technician of the reasons for the change and they will authorise the install for you.

Although the licence terms state that the replacement of a motherboard is considered a new PC and thus invalidates the activation I have never known Microsoft to refuse activation when a valid reason was explained to them

seavixen32 · 02 Sep 2011

Don't forget that even when you get through the activation process Microsoft run validation checks on your system in an effort to ensure people aren't using pirated software or breaking the terms of their EULA e.g. using OEM software on more than one computer.

That said, their telephone activation has never failed me since I moved to Windows 7, nor has speaking to one of Microsoft's support staff as basicly all they want to hear is that you are only using the software on one computer.

Maguscreed · 02 Sep 2011

seavixen32 said:

basicly all they want to hear is that you are only using the software on one computer.

That's exactly it!

I reformat a lot, and while I have had to call in a couple of times I've never gotten cut off from my key. They just start wondering why when the same one pops up over and over again. ...makes sense ...as much so as any drm procedure.

DeaconFrost · 02 Sep 2011

seavixen32 said:

basicly all they want to hear is that you are only using the software on one computer.

After all the debates and discussions, this is what it all boils down to.