How to contact microsoft for reactivation?

[radiantjet]

Hi, my Asus M5A97 2.0 motherboard died on me.

I've been using windows 7 home premium OEM.

I don't know to to reactivate windows 7, there is no phone number on my windows 7 box.

From my understanding, I can receive a new OEM code because ill be replacing my dead mobo for the exact same model.

Do I receive instructions on how to call Microsoft once I have the new motherboard installed and I get to the activation screen?

 

[06yfz450ridr]

yes it will most likely pop up saying you need to reactivate and that is where you will see the activation link to call or anter a new key, but when i swapped mobos it did not tell me to reactive for some reason.

 

[mauller07]

when you reinstall windows and are asked to activate you get the option of a phone activation and it will give you the local number to ring aslong as you setup your country information properly on installing windows.

 

[radiantjet]

Wow fast replies, thanks guys! So,
1) I will be able to reactivate it as soon as I boot up on the new mobo
2) I should have new problem since im using the exact same model

Correct? =]

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/activate-windows-7-on-this-computer

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[USAFRet]

Wow fast replies, thanks guys! So,
1) I will be able to reactivate it as soon as I boot up on the new mobo
2) I should have new problem since im using the exact same model

Correct? =]

Yes and yes.

 

[radiantjet]

Looks like i'm good to go. Thanks everyone.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Thanks for posting and voting in the forum!!!!!!!!! 😀

 

[USAFRet]

Looks like i'm good to go. Thanks everyone.

I just did exactly this over the weekend. Reinstall of Win8Pro (different SSD, same motherboard). Trying to activate, it said "This is already installed on another PC" or words to that effect. Would not activate online.

So I clicked the Activate by Phone option. It displays a long sting of numbers (NOT the regular product key). Punch those in in groups of 5, it reads back another long string that you enter in the boxes provided.
It then asks "How many PC's is this installed on?" Answer: "One".

OK...you're good to go. Poof, activation.

 

[radiantjet]

So you said activation by phone, so you entered that number into the phone, and it gave you another set of numbers? That was it?

 

[radiantjet]

oops double post

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Yes , you put in the numbers that are read back to you , then activate.

 

[USAFRet]

So you said activation by phone, so you entered that number into the phone, and it gave you another set of numbers? That was it?

Yes, that's pretty much it. No human, just the phone robot. Either say the numbers, or punch them into the phone.
Several sets (maybe 7?) of 5 digits.

EDIT: It is actually 9 groups of 7, then it reads back 8 groups of 6.