Activation issue after clean install on new hard drive

It would probably enable the user to create a new recovery partition using the Samsung Recovery Solution but I reckon I would still have the Windows activation issue.

I will donate the machine to computer science when it dies.

Its what it would have wanted.

From similar reports over three years now about MS providing keys for worn OEM stickers while OEM's always refuse, it's beginning to look like only MS has this ability - while OEM's are limited to providing a factory image disk if they will do so.

Based on these reports then if one is refused a replacement key by MS Customer Service I would call back until I find someone who will.

gregrocker said:

From similar reports over three years now about MS providing keys for worn OEM stickers while OEM's always refuse, it's beginning to look like only MS has this ability - while OEM's are limited to providing a factory image disk if they will do so.

Based on these reports then if one is refused a replacement key by MS Customer Service I would call back until I find someone who will.

Totally agree. In this case, Microsoft really weren't obliged to help so thumbs up to them for doing so. When you consider that most of what you pay for is the machine, the OEM are severely lacking in after-sales support when they don't supply the necessary discs and have you rely on in inaccessible recovery partition which ultimately means buying a new hard drive and a new copy of Windows - that Samsungs advice to me!

I wonder how many people have done just that...

So yes, it's worth phoning Microsoft again as they seem to have more human compassion.