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Repair Computer, Repurchase OS?
An anonymous reader asks: "Recently, I have been bit by a computer repair on an e-Machines computer that involved a system board replacement. Though this was strictly a repair, not an upgrade, neither MS or e-Machines will provide for activation of the system. Why should a user have to purchase another copy of XP after repairing a computer? The system board is listed on the e-Machines website, but costs 4x what an off-the-shelf board with the same chip-set/capabilities costs, and furthermore is not actually available. The e-Machines rep even said repurchasing XP was my only option. This seems to me patently unfair and of questionable legality. Is it possible that there are enough disgruntled consumers bit by this problem to generate a class-action lawsuit?"
Flamebait? LOL, /. mods are on crack again. The OP obviously has issues with the MS product activation policies... one solution is to switch to an OS that does not have such policies. You may disagree with the choice of any particular option I mentioned, but to say that pointing out that he has options - other than sticking with XP - is hardly "flamebait."
// TODO: Insert Cool Sig
Your first mistake is buying the cheapest POS (piece of $hit) on the market; e-machines. I am in the computer repair business and have seen at least 3 of these units, in the past year, where the crappy Bestec power supply calves in two years and takes the motherboard with it. After the second one, I researched this out on the InterNet and found that this is a common problem. I tell my customers they are better taking the money they would spend on repairs and buying something new as long as it isn't another e-machine.
Actually, it's unbelievably complicated. Why do I need to call anyone when installing software? Needless complications imposed by the manufacturer is why.
Absolutely, this is slashdot and the Linux crowd... Easy should mean going to IRC channels, posting in mailing lists and online forums.