Reactivation issue

I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I make
these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a new
computer?

I meant am I entitled to a reactivation.

"Ben Williams" wrote in message
eb.com...

I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I make
these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a new
computer?

"Ben Williams" wrote in message
eb.com...
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I make
these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a new
computer?

You didn't say what type of license you have for your copy of Windows. If
OEM, no, legally the license is tied to the motherbaord it was originally
activated on. That's not to say a phone rep might overlook that, but you're
not entitled to it.

Depends on whether you have a Retail version which is licensed to you,
or an OEM which is licensed to the computer.

On 10/24/2010 20:16, Ben Williams wrote:
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I
make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a
new computer?

Ben Williams wrote:
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now
is AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the
motherboard, perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a
reaction if I make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in
essence built a new computer?

Hardware-wise, you could get much the same effect from a U3S6 card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813995004

You need a spare PCI Express x4 or larger slot, to fit that card.
And read the reviews, to see how well the card works. In terms
of price, it's pretty hard to beat (sometimes, a USB 3 card alone
cost more than that card).

Paul

On 10/25/2010 03:26 AM, Seth wrote:

"Ben Williams" wrote in message
eb.com...
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now
is AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the
motherboard, perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a
reaction if I make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in
essence built a new computer?

You didn't say what type of license you have for your copy of Windows.
If OEM, no, legally the license is tied to the motherbaord it was
originally activated on. That's not to say a phone rep might overlook
that, but you're not entitled to it.



You're wrong. There is no mention of a motherboard in the EULA for *any*
version of Windows. Where did you get that idea?

--
Alias

On 10/25/2010 03:16 AM, Ben Williams wrote:
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I
make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a
new computer?

In essence you would have upgraded your computer and don't let anyone
tell you differently. Upgrading is permitted.

--
Alias

On 10/25/2010 5:14 AM, Alias wrote:
On 10/25/2010 03:16 AM, Ben Williams wrote:
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I
make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a
new computer?

In essence you would have upgraded your computer and don't let anyone
tell you differently. Upgrading is permitted.


The age old activation/reactivation question again!
Anyway, OEM or not, replacing a motherboard usually does cause the
process to be toggled. It's no problem if a retail version of windows is
present. Generally, an OEM version is pre activated, and you can get
into problems. MS may say to go to the OEM that made the computer.

The usual way out is simply that a replacement motherboard is a
reasonable repair to an existing system. Seldom are new motherboards
identical to the original one.

In your case, if the MBD support chip set is the mostly the same, and
the BIOS is originally from the same source, and the processor is the
same, it's quite likely that you will have little or no trouble.
Since you want to upgrade the USB verson, I'd suspect that the support
chipset is not identical. It may be that the chipset family is close
enough, if the same mfr's chipset is used, and the MBD is from the same mfr.


Basically, I'd make a full backup of the system before I started, just
in case.
Although now retired, I once was a registered OEM/VAR, and
sold/supported OEM and retail versions. Usually, it's not a big problem
to do what you mention. Most problems occur when the original computer
was from one of the large OEM's, and a totally different MBD & processor
are involved.

"Ben Williams" wrote in message
b.com...
I meant am I entitled to a reactivation.

"Ben Williams" wrote in message
eb.com...

I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I make
these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a new
computer?

I just went through this. Acer installed a new MB. After that the license
(OEM) would work for 30 days and quit. You can try calling them, and you
"may" get them to issue a new key, but my experience was no. If I had been
willing to spend untold time calling and complaining I may have gotten it,
but I was not willing to and just paid a C note for a new one.
Bottom line if you put a new MB in, you will have trouble. How much
trouble is hard to say, but it will not just work without hassle.
--
I think drug tests are great. Since I have to pass them to earn money to
pay taxes, Everyone on, or applying for welfare should have to pass them to
get some of my money.

In article om,
says...

I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I make
these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a new
computer?

According to licensing:

If your computer has OEM Windows installed, changing the motherboard
without doing so because of a motherboard failure is not permitted while
retaining the same license key. If you have OEM and the motherboard
fails, the vendor can replace the board with the same type or, if the
same is not available, they can replace it with a newer board and
reactivate - you can not re-activate if this is just an "Upgrade"
without failure.

If you have Retail you can upgrade anytime you want as long as you
remove the OS from the old computer - if upgrading just the motherboard,
if retail OS, you don't have to remove the OS because it's going to be
the same and not a second installed copy.

As for reactivation - many people reactivate in violation of the license
terms and have no issues. I have never had any issues reactivating any
version of MS's O/S - just say, reinstalling because of malware.

--
You can't trust your best friends, your five senses, only the little
voice inside you that most civilians don't even hear -- Listen to that.
Trust yourself.
(remove 999 for proper email address)

In article ,
lids says...

On 10/25/2010 03:26 AM, Seth wrote:

"Ben Williams" wrote in message
eb.com...
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now
is AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the
motherboard, perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a
reaction if I make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in
essence built a new computer?

You didn't say what type of license you have for your copy of Windows.
If OEM, no, legally the license is tied to the motherbaord it was
originally activated on. That's not to say a phone rep might overlook
that, but you're not entitled to it.



You're wrong. There is no mention of a motherboard in the EULA for *any*
version of Windows. Where did you get that idea?

He's 100% right, and the proper word is "COMPUTER", and the OEM site
clearly defines COMPUTER as the MOTHERBOARD.

--
You can't trust your best friends, your five senses, only the little
voice inside you that most civilians don't even hear -- Listen to that.
Trust yourself.
(remove 999 for proper email address)

On 10/28/2010 03:57 PM, Leythos wrote:
In ,
lids says...

On 10/25/2010 03:26 AM, Seth wrote:

"Ben wrote in message
eb.com...
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now
is AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the
motherboard, perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a
reaction if I make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in
essence built a new computer?

You didn't say what type of license you have for your copy of Windows.
If OEM, no, legally the license is tied to the motherbaord it was
originally activated on. That's not to say a phone rep might overlook
that, but you're not entitled to it.



You're wrong. There is no mention of a motherboard in the EULA for *any*
version of Windows. Where did you get that idea?

He's 100% right, and the proper word is "COMPUTER", and the OEM site
clearly defines COMPUTER as the MOTHERBOARD.


Only in your twisted mind and no one is required to go to *any* site,
OEM or otherwise, to agree to and be in compliance with an EULA where no
mention of a motherboard is made, either indirectly or implied. A
computer, son, is comprised of more than just a motherboard. It has hard
drives, video card(s), audio cards, memory, power supply. I'd like to
see you run a motherboard without a power supply. And I'd love to see
you run an OEM generic copy of Windows on a motherboard without anything
else. In short, you're full of **** but what else is new?

--
Alias

On 10/28/2010 03:56 PM, Leythos wrote:

According to licensing:

If your computer has OEM Windows installed, changing the motherboard
without doing so because of a motherboard failure is not permitted while
retaining the same license key. If you have OEM and the motherboard
fails, the vendor can replace the board with the same type or, if the
same is not available, they can replace it with a newer board and
reactivate - you can not re-activate if this is just an "Upgrade"
without failure.


False, false, false. You don't even distinguish between a generic OEM
and a branded OEM and, again, the EULA makes no mention of a motherboard
and even less that a motherboard equals a computer. Not even the Windows
7 EULAs state what you state. Do you get a commission from MS for
fooling people? I have upgraded motherboards, called MS and told them
exactly what I did and they reactivated for me. I have also replaced the
same motherboard on a machine with an identical one and XP didn't bitch,
burp or fart.

--
Alias

"Seth" écrivait news:ia2mau$v1s$1
@news.eternal-september.org:


"Ben Williams" wrote in message
eb.com...
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now
is
AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the motherboard,
perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a reaction if I
make
these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in essence built a new
computer?

You didn't say what type of license you have for your copy of Windows.
If
OEM, no, legally the license is tied to the motherbaord it was originally
activated on. That's not to say a phone rep might overlook that, but
you're
not entitled to it.



Not true, the licence is tied to the COMPUTER, not the motherboard, the
motherboard is a part of the computer, not the computer.

What if the motherboard dies? You are allowed to replace it.

The OP keeps his processor, it could be considered the computer.

FWIW, the computer could be the case, after all the COA sticker is applied
to the case not the MB. I believe I can replace everything inside my case
and it's still the same computer.

To the OP, you might have to reinstall since there are other differences
than SATA and USB, usually a repair install is required.

In article ,
lids says...

On 10/28/2010 03:57 PM, Leythos wrote:
In ,
lids says...

On 10/25/2010 03:26 AM, Seth wrote:

"Ben wrote in message
eb.com...
I am considering upgrading my motherboard from my socket AM2+/AM3 to a
socket AM3 only motherboard. The reason for the upgrade to to include
support for SATA III/6 Gbps drives and to upgrade to USB 3.0. I am
anticipating a reactivation will be necessary. The CPU I am using now
is AM3, so the only real components being upgraded will be the
motherboard, perhaps the hard drive, and the RAM. Am I entitled to a
reaction if I make these changes or will Microsoft say that I have in
essence built a new computer?

You didn't say what type of license you have for your copy of Windows.
If OEM, no, legally the license is tied to the motherbaord it was
originally activated on. That's not to say a phone rep might overlook
that, but you're not entitled to it.



You're wrong. There is no mention of a motherboard in the EULA for *any*
version of Windows. Where did you get that idea?

He's 100% right, and the proper word is "COMPUTER", and the OEM site
clearly defines COMPUTER as the MOTHERBOARD.


Only in your twisted mind and no one is required to go to *any* site,
OEM or otherwise, to agree to and be in compliance with an EULA where no
mention of a motherboard is made, either indirectly or implied. A
computer, son, is comprised of more than just a motherboard. It has hard
drives, video card(s), audio cards, memory, power supply. I'd like to
see you run a motherboard without a power supply. And I'd love to see
you run an OEM generic copy of Windows on a motherboard without anything
else. In short, you're full of **** but what else is new?

No matter how your trolling little mind wants to spin it, a computer is
defined by the motherboard. Many devices have drives, video cards, etc..
that does not make them Personal Computers. MS has long, decades, held
that the Motherboard makes the computer.

--
You can't trust your best friends, your five senses, only the little
voice inside you that most civilians don't even hear -- Listen to that.
Trust yourself.
(remove 999 for proper email address)