Trying to Understand Windows Activation

[1Don1]

I have a Dell T3400 that I installed a hard disk in that I had cloned Windows 7 Pro on to go into one of the 4 identical T3500s that I have. I decided to use this disk to install Linux on for the T3400 instead. When the T3400 booted (I forgot to insert the flash drive with Linux on it), Windows 7 booted up with no problems, I didn't think it would boot at all because the drivers are for the T3500. So before I reformatted and installed Linux I went into the System control panel to confirm the processor installed was the one I thought it was I noticed that it said "Windows is Activated". I would have expected to see "you have xx days to activate etc." I thought OEM Windows versions looked at the BIOS on startup to self activate based on the version of Windows originally installed. Is this happening because the disk was a cloned from a system that originally did have Windows 7 Pro installed? And why didn't it see whatever it looks at in the BIOS when it booted? I may completely misunderstand how this all works so that's why I'm asking.

Thanks,

Don

 

[USAFRet]

It would have become unactivated eventually. Probably the next cycle of updates.
It doesn't check every single time you power up.

 

[1Don1]

Is there any what to make it check? I have another activation issue going on too. My main computer is a Dell T5400. The motherboard went bad several weeks ago. This system came with a builders copy of Windows 7 Pro and I know that it's tied to the first motherboard it's installed on. I've heard rumors that Microsoft will let you activate it on another motherboard once if it's the same model motherboard so I called Microsoft to talk to them about it before I invested in another motherboard. The first guy I talked to said it should be no issue just replace the board and everything would be fine but he had a heavy Indian accent and I had really difficult time understanding him so before buying the motherboard I called back just to get verification. The next person I talked to I could understand better and she said no, I would have to buy another copy of Windows, buying a motherboard and Windows wasn't worth the investment on this machine because of its age. So I told her I was about to purchase this motherboard I needed clarification since I got two conflicting answers from them and asked to speak to a supervisor. I didn't get to speak to a supervisor but she came back a few minutes later and gave me a case number and said to call back when the new board was in and they would give me a different activation number then. I didn't have the warm and fuzzies but I bought the new board anyway. After installing it and booting up it said Windows was activated. So now I don't know if it really is activated and everything is fine or if it will de-activate like you say sometime down the road and I'll have to call back. I would rather not talk to Microsoft if I don't have to.