Windows License

[techytype]

I have a customer with a dead motherboard in an Acer desktop. It doesn't look like Acer is going to be of any help in providing a direct replacement mobo, so I'm looking at using something else. I have performed this repair before on branded machines running XP, and I was able to install/activate XP. My question is specific to Vista, as I have not done a mobo replacement for a Vista machine yet.. Is MS going to void the Vista license for this machine after replacing the mobo? I know that none of the other shops here will touch this kind of repair, and I think that's a shame, for their customers any way.

 

[techytype]

I contacted MS and was told that the Vista license will not be voided when replacing a motherboard in a branded pc, for which I can't obtain a direct replacement, with a different model motherboard. Maybe this info will help someone else.

 

[techytype]

Further info - I should have asked this the first time around when contacting MS. I've been told by other techs (read the same info on other forums) that using a motherboard with the same chipset is required when replacing the motherboard in a branded pc, for the Windows installation to be valid. I asked MS Support:

"Are there any hardware restrictions when replacing a motherboard in a branded pc, with a different model motherboard, such as same chipset/videoset, for the OEM Vista license to remain valid." MS Support said that there are no such restrictions, only that reactivating will be required.

 

[xxsilk109xx]

I have replaced mobo's before and reactivated windows with no problem, the only time i have ever had activation issues is with media center 2005 after changing hardware.

MS is no help either, they just reroute your calls around until you get to where you have to pay for support.

 

[usacvlr]

This is not a big deal. MS cut way back on their draconian hardware point system several years ago.

 

[studiot]

Like many organisations (and individuals) MS don't like answering 'whatif' questions.

But should you choose to reactivate with real hardware and a respectable story I have never had a problem.