Hi.

I've read a lot about this issue and I'm confused.

I had my computer built for me, to my specifications, about 15 months ago and all of a sudden I'm experiencing problems.

I won't go into them, but I'm almost ready to have the motherboard (an ASUS A8N-VM CSM) replaced.

When the computer was built, those who put it all together for me installed an OEM version of XP Pro, so my question is this:

If my motherboard is on the way out and I have it replaced, can I use this version of XP with a new motherboard or not, particularly if I choose a different brand?

Thanx.

scoopyx

Hi,

unfortunatly once you replace that motherboard your OEM XP will no longer be legal on your new motherboard.

Your pc was build by a local shop or a store like Dell ?

If it the first case, I heard you can call Microsoft (phone activation) and tell them you MOBO was burned, Then maybye they

let you reactivate with different hardware.

Or you can take action according to your own moral code...

It happened to me too some time ago at work. A call to M$ and nice talking got my XP reactivated, of course after proving I bought the licence with that workstation.

Hey.

No, it's not a brand computer, just a machine built with parts I ordered by a chain called Leading Edge here in Victoria, Australia.

That is, I gave them a list of the components I wanted (motherboard model/brand; hard disk model/brand; graphics card model/brand etc etc), they ordered them in and put it all together for me.

I probably should have stipulated that I wanted a full retail copy of XP Pro but I didn't realise it at the time.

I guess I'm probably stuffed.

scoopyx.

eh, i'd give MS a call... worst they could tell you is you can't legally transfer your copy of XP... there is more than one way to skin a cat however

If you tell them you had to replace the motherboard because it failed, they'll generally let you reactivate. If you've done this multiple times in the past, they may balk, but otherwise you should be fine.

I have done this twice, both were ASUS motherboards, but, I upgraded from a Pemtium III 1.2G to an A8N-SLI deluxe and, lastly, an A8N32-SLI deluxe experiencing no problems at all. I was able to activate by internet the first few installs on each, but, now must phone-again with no problems. I think all that MS is worried about is you only use OEM XP on your, one, computer; this falls under enthusiast-build your own........type thing. When I upgrade to C2D I will use this same OS again, unless I upgrade to 64-bit.

Okay then, thank you all.

I'll see how I go.

And rendrag, you are indeed correct...

scoopyx