Grok451
Posts: 89 +4
I have an eMachines PC whose motherboard died. I couldn't find the same model motherboard as the original (ECS L7VMM Rev 1.0) for replacement, so I bought one that was close: PC Chips M825G KM266Pro, based upon a forum thread saying that this would be a good fit.
The hardware swap went without a problem and I was able to boot up in safe mode to install the Via and other drivers for the new motherboard. But when I boot up in normal mode, XP Home says I need to activate. Checking on the Microsoft site, they won't activate, since I have an OEM Product ID, so I'm supposed to contact eMachines. I emailed eMachines and am waiting for a response.
I know I can just go out and buy another copy of XP Home and do a new install, but aside from the cost and hassle, I'll lose the preinstalled software that came with the PC and won't be able to use the system restore disks that came with it. Is my only hope getting an answer from eMachines, or is there anything else I can do? The PC is a few years old, so won't be on support.
*short intermission for a rant *
With PC's coming down in price to the $200-$300 range, isn't it a little silly to have the OS cost $100-$200? Especially, if you can't transfer it to a repaired or upgraded PC?
* rant over *
Anyway, would appreciate any advice out there.
The hardware swap went without a problem and I was able to boot up in safe mode to install the Via and other drivers for the new motherboard. But when I boot up in normal mode, XP Home says I need to activate. Checking on the Microsoft site, they won't activate, since I have an OEM Product ID, so I'm supposed to contact eMachines. I emailed eMachines and am waiting for a response.
I know I can just go out and buy another copy of XP Home and do a new install, but aside from the cost and hassle, I'll lose the preinstalled software that came with the PC and won't be able to use the system restore disks that came with it. Is my only hope getting an answer from eMachines, or is there anything else I can do? The PC is a few years old, so won't be on support.
*short intermission for a rant *
With PC's coming down in price to the $200-$300 range, isn't it a little silly to have the OS cost $100-$200? Especially, if you can't transfer it to a repaired or upgraded PC?
* rant over *
Anyway, would appreciate any advice out there.