Windows Activation

Question

I have a Dimension 2350 that I am in the process of upgrading to an aftermarket motherboard because the onboard Intel Extreme Graphics: Shared RAM slows the computer drastically andInferior graphics will not run the most basic children's games.The motherboard does not have an AGP port which dramatically limits the availability of replacement graphics adapters that can be installed into the computer as it is.I have found an aftermarket motherboard that not only has an AGP slot, but it contains USB 2.0 support, onboard 10/100 ethernet, sound and it seems to be dimensionally equivalent to the OEM board I am replacing.  The problem I may have is with Widows activation.  Will I be able to reactivate the Dell OEM XP that came with the computer once it boots and sees the new motherboard or will I have to plead my case to Microsoft over the phone?  Has anyone done anything like this?  I am interested in hearing about your experiences.   TIA,Jeff

jmwills · Answer

The worst thing that will happen is that you may have to call MS diretc and activate which is really no big deal.  As a side note, I saw an interview the other day abouta technology called PCI V2.0 (or something close to that) which is going to make AGP obsolete.

jcapzz · Answer

Sounds good.  That is what I hoped.  It's about time they did away with a 66MHz standard.  Fast processors and FSB's are limited now by IO more than anything else.

PSMINN · Answer

Just out of curiosity, how do I activate or register my windows xp software? It came installed on my I8600, but I've never been reminded to register it. Pam

JRosenfeld · Answer

If it was OEM installed, it will have been activated. Registration (a different thing) is optional, it just gives your info to MS. Since MS won't help you with problems for an OEM instal, there's little point in registering with them.

PSMINN · Answer

Thanks. So, if I need to reinstall at some point, I won't have a hassle from MS? I appreciate your time. Pam

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