A question about Windows.

[adzy-2k6]

For Christmas i am hoping for new upgrades for my computer, but i think there may be an awkward issue. I am changing a substantial part of my computer (motherboard, processor, and graphics card, so basically a large part of the machine), but I am not sure how windows will react. i know that when its activated it records computer configuration, and i know it will probably lock when i do this, but will Microsoft let me re-activate? Searching the internet this is a bit conflicted, but does anyone else have any experience with this? Thank you for any replies

[H@m]

That depends on the type of Windows you've bought. See if you payed that extra $50 then I think you can re-install it a few times. I can't remember the names to tell you the truth but I do have a hint anyway.
 Use your old graphics card with your new configuration and start up windows, turn it off and replace it with the new. Also you can often change your computer over allot easier with a network card. Install this before dismantling your old one, then put it in the new one for installing windows. Do those two things and it may think it's a minor upgrade, which is what you're after. But remember Windows is mainly about motherboard, so this doesn't work 100%.

[adzy-2k6]

Thx for the advice, but both of those options are imposable due to the fact the new motherboard will be PCI-Express, while the old board uses an older slot. The network card is also built into the motherboard, so i cant switch that out either. unfortunately, i bought the OEM disk to use on this computer. Im not sure if these changes qualify as a new computer or not, but unfortunately, OEM software also doesn't qualify for technical support.

[Markham]

I've been using the same XP disc for years, and I've upgraded my computer significantly since then.  (including an AGP to PCIe upgrade like yourself)  The software only rejected the key once, and all I had to do was call the number setup gave me.  The only hard part was calling at the right time, as the US number redirects you to a number in Europe/India that is only open during 10-5 European time.

[adzy-2k6]

what disc were you suing though. Retail allows you to make almost unlimited changes, while OEM limits the amount of changes you are allowed to make (I think it might be everything but the motherboard, within a certain time, but im not sure)

[boundless]

I think you should be fine as long as the disk isn't tied to a brand (dell, gateway, etc).

[Markham]

I'm pretty sure this last install was off an OEM disc to an entirely different computer.  No matter what version you use, it's going to have you revalidate for a new CPU/motherboard.  If the key doesn't work, you call up the number they give, give the answering program the code the screen gives you, and follow the instructions they give you and you'll be fine.

[adzy-2k6]

Well, thank you everyone. Ill try your advice and see what happens. If all goes wrong, it wont cost me huge amounts to fix anyway, it will just be an annoying delay