Alienware Desktops

[seb851]

My windows is not longer active since Motherboard Swap ... 

[speedstep]

Windows will not retain Activation when you change motherboard.

You will have to use the COA Key or buy a new copy of windows which will come with a NEW COA and Key.

WIN10 OEM DVD B09WMTNVF2

[Vanadiel]

The OEM key is embedded on the board. I would think if the board was swapped under warranty, they should include the key with the warranty repair.

However, I am not sure how that works. Maybe @DELL-Cares has some more insight on this.

I remember this issue coming up a few times in the past with some other users.

[steadler]

?????.... What ? My mobo ( ryzen)  burnt out late last year and was replaced. Memory modules, ssd etc were plugged back in on the new board, and started it myself I got the ftpm warning...choose yes and it it started with windows, no new key or window install

Just a simple swap

Could be a problem if the mother board replacement is not the same model.

[steadler]

 I might add most window license today are digital so it could be in your microsoft account if not and if you can't, find it you might use the alienware OS recovery tool to re-install windows factory using the service tag. or look in windows settings activation if it's not activated you could find an option for hardware changes....

[steadler]

...and don't forget to put service tag number on the new board bios, if the same  model  if needed

[DELL-Jesse L · Accepted solution]

seb851,

- Open Settings > System > Activation > Click on troubleshoot and see if Windows get activated.

If it does not activate Windows, do the following:

- Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator
- Type this command: wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

- Hit Enter. The code that will come up is your product key.

- Go back to the Activation menu on Settings and select Update product key. Try using the one you just got from PowerShell.

[EH_Hijacker]

Good to know there are MORE steps I'll need to do -_-  Dell rep is scheduled to replace my mobo this afternoon on my r13.  I'll be sure to remind him to confirm that windows is properly activated.