What hardware changes trigger a Windows 8 re-activation?

Forums › Microsoft Windows › What hardware changes trigger a Windows 8 re-activation?

Klipspringer

1287 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

Topic # 114100 8-Feb-2013 12:50
Hi Guys I am wanting to upgrade the processor on one of my home workstations. Its a HP DC7800P (Small Form Factor) Core 2 running Windows 8 Pro 64bit with the free Media Centre. http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12744_div/12744_div.HTML The current processor is a 2.83 GHz Core 2 Vpro E8300. Would upgrading this to a Core 2 Quad trigger a Windows 8 re-activation and make the current licence invalid? Or are the re-activations tied to the physical motherboard. I’m only going to be upgrading the processor. Thanks for the help. Offense can never be given, only taken ...

boby55

1484 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

ExtensITy Group

Reply # 757289 8-Feb-2013 13:01
IIRC it will require a re-activation but you can just opt to activate by phone and ring the 0800 number and say you've replaced the CPU in your system and they should give you a activation number to enter. Professional IT Solutions at an Affordable Price.

Klipspringer

1287 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

Reply # 757296 8-Feb-2013 13:14
boby55: IIRC it will require a re-activation but you can just opt to activate by phone and ring the 0800 number and say you've replaced the CPU in your system and they should give you a activation number to enter. Thanks for the help. If its that simple I will go ahead. Was just a bit worried I would need to pay for another licence. Offense can never be given, only taken ...

nathan

936 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

Microsoft NZ

Reply # 757338 8-Feb-2013 14:18
you NEVER need to buy another license if its still the same PC

Klipspringer

1287 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

Reply # 757347 8-Feb-2013 14:30
nathan: you NEVER need to buy another license if its still the same PC Interesting .. What part of the hardware defines the PC? Offense can never be given, only taken ...

nathan

936 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

Microsoft NZ

Reply # 757348 8-Feb-2013 14:34
that info is not published my point is that mostly you will be able to auto-activate your Windows OS install yourself immediately over the internet again if not, you would call up Microsoft Support who would do it over the phone

Klipspringer

1287 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

Reply # 757375 8-Feb-2013 15:41
nathan: that info is not published my point is that mostly you will be able to auto-activate your Windows OS install yourself immediately over the internet again if not, you would call up Microsoft Support who would do it over the phone Thanks for the help Nathan Offense can never be given, only taken ...

Oblivian

756 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 757384 8-Feb-2013 16:12
Its usually tied to 4-5 different things in the PC. Build date, RAM amount, Motherboard type. CPU speed etc etc So up to a certain trigger changes are allowed before it will do it. So HDD upgrades, RAM uprades, CPU upgrades may often not trigger it. An OEM licence is however, tied to the primary component of the machine. The motherboard. A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.

paulmilbank

475 posts

Ultimate Geek

Reply # 757441 8-Feb-2013 18:13
As far as I remember, changing out my dual core athlon II for a quad core phenom II did not trigger a reactivation. If it did, it was only an internet check. I did not have to phone in or anything.

eXDee

2812 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Reply # 757446 8-Feb-2013 18:24
Just call up the 0800 number when online activation fails, punch in 72 digits, listen to it read back the 72 digits and then you're done.

mattwnz

4253 posts

Uber Geek

Reply # 757458 8-Feb-2013 18:49
The activation is there to stop piracy, not to annoy legitimate users. So if you change your motherboard or processor etc, I don't think you shouldn't have any problem getting MS to reactivate it over the phone