Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin (
More info?)
If this was a major brand PC (e.g., Dell, Gateway, Compaq), and if you did
not replace the motherboard with one obtained from the PC maker, you need to
go and buy a full retail copy of XP. Let me explain:
PC makers use what are called "OEM" copies of XP. These are licenced only
for the original hardware, more specifically usually to the original
motherboard BIOS. On such a PC you can change anything, except the
motherboard. Once you change the motherboard, the license for XP is voided.
This is not simply a legal principle. Rather it is enforce via the product
activation. In fact, Microsoft will not directly support any OEM version of
XP, since part of the deal for cheap copies of XP is that the PC maker
support the PC, including issues with XP. If this applies to you, contac
tthe PC maker, not Microsoft.
If you built the PC, and chose to use an OEM copy of XP, then you can look
only to yourself for help, since you are the OEM in this case.
However, if you built the PC with a full retail version of XP (or retail
upgrade), then you should be able to eventually get Microsoft to assist.
However, you may need to wade thorugh a lot of voice menus before you get a
real person.
"Roy" <Roy@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A3A01F9F-3D07-4A36-88C3-832512813E41@microsoft.com...
> My computer's power supply fried and took the motherboard with it, so new
> motherboard, new power supply and we're all set right, nope as one would
> guess MS has me re-activivate windows Xp , however the automated synthetic
> voice "Could not activate my product at this time."
> All the web pages seem to go in a circle help please!