Can't activate windows...

Question

hen my dimension 2400's motherboard died I replaced it with a foxconn one and after a reformat windows wouldn't take the code that was on the sticker on my machine. What can I do now?

datapod · Answer

@mattyk12321 wrote:

hen my dimension 2400's motherboard died I replaced it with a foxconn one and after a reformat windows wouldn't take the code that was on the sticker on my machine. What can I do now?

Your Dell OEM version of Windows will only install and activate (actually will already be activated) on a computer with a Dell motherboard/BIOS. It essentially sees the new non-Dell motherboard as a "new" computer.

As the OEM version of Windows is permanently tied to the computer with which it was purchased your only option with your current hardware setup is to install a retail copy of Windows. Your other option would be to source a replacement Dell mobo.

Message Edited by datapod on 01-22-2006 07:36 AM

osprey4 · Answer

You'll have to call Microsoft.

SR45 · Answer

Or again, call Microsoft, and try to explain what happen with the new motherboard install to see if they will allow this activation without getting a new retail version of the OS.  Worth a try

datapod · Answer

@SR45 wrote:
Or again, call Microsoft, and try to explain what happen with the new motherboard install to see if they will allow this activation without getting a new retail version of the OS. Worth a try

Not worth even a try. Microsoft support won't even discuss an OEM version.

jmsandrsn · Answer

I agree with SR45.  I have heard of Microsoft giving people an override code in other situations like this.  Not sure why the other guy discourages this.  What do you have to lose other than a little bit of time.

datapod · Answer

@jmsandrsn wrote:

Not sure why the other guy discourages this. What do you have to lose other than a little bit of time.

For the same reason I discourage teaching a fish to ride a bicycle. All it takes is time but at the end of the day is futile.

In the interest of objectivity By all means OP make the call.

A list of Worldwide Activation telephone numbers is @

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/numbers.mspx

Please post back with your experience.

SR45 · Answer

@datapod wrote:

@jmsandrsn wrote:

Not sure why the other guy discourages this. What do you have to lose other than a little bit of time.

For the same reason I discourage teaching a fish to ride a bicycle. All it takes is time but at the end of the day is futile.

No, with the Borg its futile, but with fish ( dolphins ) you have a chance...

rickmktg · Answer

datapod wrote:
For the same reason I discourage teaching a fish to ride a bicycle. All it takes is time but at the end of the day is futile.

Your vicious attack on the mental and physical limitations of fish is unwarranted. Have you actually tried to teach a fish how to ride a bicycle? Perhaps the method that you used to teach them was inappropriate since they look sideways and not straight ahead? Or, did you not consider flipper extensions to use with one of those bikes that we humans pedal with their hands. Sometimes the fault is with the instructor, not the student.

Next you'll be saying that chickens don't know how to fly airplanes. Sheesh!

You might want to checkout this site: http://www.fishonabike.com/sightings.htm.

It's good that these forums exist to correct the misinformation spread by others!

datapod · Answer

@rickmktg wrote:

datapod wrote:
For the same reason I discourage teaching a fish to ride a bicycle. All it takes is time but at the end of the day is futile.

Your vicious attack on the mental and physical limitations of fish is unwarranted.

I have never been particularly ichthyologically correct. Don't even get me started on those flying pigs... :smileyvery-happy:

SR45 · Answer

Oh, yes, flying pigs.  I see them all the time.  But I don't like it when they don't use their hand signals  :smileyvery-happy:

Windows General

Can't activate windows...

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