I hate Windows...help please

[crazyfool]

Hey guys,
Basically I built a new computer with an OEM XP MCE install. Then windows stopped booting and i had to reformat and reinstall. Now when i go to activate i can't because it says my license key has already been used. I have heard that if i change the motherboard then I am entitled to ring them and expain to get a new key, but if I lied and said i did that they would probably know. So is there anyway for me to legally reactivate windows.
Thanks for your help.

[0iD]

Phone the number provided, & go thro the automated system. You only need talk to an operator if that doesnt work & then you can tell them you replaced a faulty component. Done it loads of times & mostly they didn't ask as the automated system worked fine.

[crazyfool]

yeh but if they ask me what component, why etc... if i told them that xp wouldn't start, i tried repair install, didn't work and i had to reformat and reinstall...would they not give me a new key or would they say i would have to but a new windows copy?

[0iD]

You haven't changed any major components, they won't have a prob, honestly. Most of us upgrade components continually & re-activate sometimes monthly.

[tigerboyce]

Just act confident and you wont have a problem

[Splash]

Hey guys,
Basically I built a new computer with an OEM XP MCE install. Then windows stopped booting and i had to reformat and reinstall. Now when i go to activate i can't because it says my license key has already been used. I have heard that if i change the motherboard then I am entitled to ring them and expain to get a new key, but if I lied and said i did that they would probably know. So is there anyway for me to legally reactivate windows.
Thanks for your help.

Have you changed your motherboard? If so was it due to hardware failure, or simply a borked install and you wanted to upgrade?

OEM licensing terms are fairly clear - if your reinstall is due to hardware failure you're allowed a to replace hardware with similar kit. If you've completely changed the kit then you're not entitled (under the license) to install as it's no longer the same machine. What you can get away with by stretching the truth or whatever doesn't really come into it.

That said, unless you've missed out a massive chunk of info it sounds like a b0rked install with no new hardware - this being the case the hardware hash shouldn't have changed and going through the automated phoneline should get you back up and running. If you have to speak to anyone just tell the truth - if it's the same hardware you're perfectly entitled to reinstall, and you can sleep easy.


EDIT - also they don't give you a new license key, they just give you a new activation code (different thing entirely)