Windows 7 64-bit Activation Error 0xC004c008 with Valid OEM Key

kabo0m · 08 Apr 2016

I had to replace my motherboard due to 2 bad caps and when ever I am in anything full screen that uses video I get a popup that says I must validate my Windows 7 which I thought was odd because I validated it years ago. Then I remembered hearing something about how now with Windows it has something in it where if any hardware changes you now have to re-validate Windows. I don't know why this is but I realized that is what was happening so I got my CD key out and typed it in.

But then I got this error which shocked me as I thought this would be easy:

0xC004C008

The acitvation server determined that the specified product key could not be used.

torchwood · 08 Apr 2016

Hi Kaboom,
Sorry to tell you that replacing the motherboard constitutes NEW computer to MS, which means (as you have an OEM install as per your specs) New licence.
If you have another type of licence you get to move the licence to the new computer
If you follow this link i will be able to confirm one way or another
Windows Genuine and Activation Issue Posting Instructions

Roy

Brds7t7 · 08 Apr 2016

As Roy said. The terms of an OEM licence mean that once you change your motherboard you've effectively voided the OEM licence.
That being said, there have been rare occasions when a motherboard has died and MS has allowed the licence to be transferred to the new MB.
To do this you would need to use the phone activation and speak to an MS representative. Explain to them what has happened to your board.
Be advised that MS is under no obligation to do this though. They can outright refuse and you would have to buy a new OEM licence for the new MB.