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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?"
If I recall correctly there are ways to get around this by calling actual MS support. Usually this involves being the "bullying customer" some. But they will do an over the phone registration. I had to do this when I had to replace the MB in my mother-in-laws computer.
P.S. - This should also blossom into a beautiful flame war, I would recommend hot cocoa with marshmallows for viewing it.
I'm a fiscal conservative, it's a pity we don't have a political party anymore
If it was a direct replacement of the board (same model number, chipset, etc.) and the hard drive was not affected by the repairs (you didn't have to wipe the drive for some reason), you shouldn't need to reinstall the OS at all. If you installed a different board than the original, you might be SOL. If it were me, I'd plug the drive back in and boot up and see what happens. You might get lucky and everything would work fine.
Now if it's a WGA problem, that's a different story. You'll have to call Microsoft up for that one. Assuming you're not an ass when you call up, you shouldn't have much problem getting them to issue you a new key or something.
Everything I say is a lie. Except that... and that... and that, and that, and that, and that... and that.
And pirate it of course. You'll join the ranks of 1/4 of computer users.
Seriously, is there anything morally wrong for actually using software you paid for?
I'm having serious doubts about eMachines computers.
Really? You are having doubts about the quality of one of the least expensive computers on the market???? I'm shocked. Totally shocked. I would have never expected in a million years that the quality of such a low-priced, low-end machine wasn't very good....
I think you should immediately turn over the machine to the Geek Squad, and pay them big bucks to tell you that, indeed, the eMachine is a pile of crap. Those guys know. They are experts after all...
What? Was that a little too sarcastic?
I've never had this problem with Linux. Maybe this is Microsoft's way of suggesting that it's time to take the leap...
b) Did you pirate the software or (sometimes) are you using the same OEM disk? Yes.
Sounds like a brilliant plan.
This guy's the limit!
So THAT'S why ATMs don't consist of just a big pile of money and a clipboard...
W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
Just hit random numbers until you get a real person. Or punch the keypad a few times with your fists. At least that way you can get out some of the frustration while you're at it. :D
"Was it a millionaire who said 'Imagine No Posessions?'" -- Elvis Costello
Nah, that doesn't work. You just get "The fingers you are using to dial with are too fat. To order a special dialing wand, mash the keypad now."
Find environmentally and socially responsible products on http://buy-right.net
If that were true, we'd all be out flirting with girls instead of fiddling with our computers and posting on Slashdot.
(Just kidding, in a yeah-but-maybe-there's-something-to-it way.)
Dude....
1. Upgrade your computer
2. Call up Microsoft.
3. Sue their sorry asses
4. Profit!!!!!
Avoid Missing Ball for High Score
I'm gay you insensitive clod!
And I guess there might be a few straight females too.