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Resolved Question

After new motherboard computer says, "Windows not Genuine"

Mar 25, 2015 2:05PM PDT

I hope this is the right forum, will try here first. I just replaced the motherboard in my HP Touchsmart 310-1037. Now the computer says that my Windows 7 is not genuine, and that I won't get updates, etc.. Is there a fix for this without buying Windows again? Thanks. Ed

Discussion is locked

edweather has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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OEM Windows
Mar 27, 2015 1:34AM PDT

Dis you try calling Microsoft Sales/Support?

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We will.
Mar 27, 2015 2:14PM PDT

I'll get around to it soon. At least it's not an emergency. Windows still works and will still receive the critical updates. The negatives are a black desktop, and annoying messages once in a while, and the note on the bottom right corner of the screen about non-genuine Windows. I will do everything possible to get it back to normal. Thanks, Ed

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Here's some news....
Mar 29, 2015 4:22AM PDT

..........I found a Windows key on the bottom of the computer base. Let's see what happens.

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Great News!
Mar 29, 2015 5:21AM PDT

All I had to do was type the Windows Product Key into the box, and it activated. Woot woot!!!!!! Blush

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still not legit per microsoft
Mar 31, 2015 5:32AM PDT

still not legit per microsoft. don't be surprised if it is declared non-genuine again at a later date.

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What do you mean?
Mar 31, 2015 3:20PM PDT

I spoke to MS on the phone before I input the code, and read the number directly to them, and they verified it, and told me it was good.

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the key is good but
Mar 31, 2015 10:12PM PDT

makes no difference. you need to read the oem eula for win7 in regards to motherboard upgrades. as I said, do not be surprised if your system is eventually declared non genuine. I have seen it happen too many times. users violate the oem eula and still get it activated by microsoft help, then from a few months to a year or so later, microsoft runs an updated version of the genuine test on their system, and the os get deactivated. You have been warned.

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I think it's OK in this case.
Apr 1, 2015 1:31AM PDT

It was a maker's own motherboard that was replaced with same maker motherboard. Should be fine.
Bob

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Part number was exact......
Apr 1, 2015 4:27AM PDT

That's correct Rob.

The motherboard was replaced with the exact original part number. I was also getting help from a MS Moderator on a MS forum, and ran a diagnostic tool, and the Mod told me all I had to do was use the sticker key (not OEM key) to activate Windows, and that's what I did. What I didn't know was that there are 2 different activation keys on OEM installs: The first is used in the factory, and that only works once. The second (different from the first) is the product key on the sticker, which is used after a hardware modification, etc.

Anyway, we shall see, and like you say, I was made aware of it..."warned" is a bit strong, don't you think Wink The MS folks think I did the right thing, so I'm good with that for now.<div>
Thanks for the help. Ed
</div>

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Answer
When you post the motherboard was changed
Mar 25, 2015 9:21PM PDT

Did you do it or a service tech? Was the motherboard an HP model, the same as original? Is this still Windows 7?

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Answer
Re: motherboard
Mar 25, 2015 9:40PM PDT

Might be right. The OEM license is only valid on the original PC, so if you change the motherboard to another one, it's no longer valid on the updated PC. For all purposes (except you!) it's a new machine. Adding RAM, replacing the videocard, even replacing the HDD is no issue, but replacing the motherboard by a different is.

Kees

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Answer
"The OEM license is only valid on the original PC" by Kees.
Mar 26, 2015 1:55AM PDT

Yup, I agree. You can find tomes on the web about "branding" the motherboard but you can try using the restore media you have and see if this clears up.
Bob

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Restore media?
Mar 26, 2015 5:00AM PDT

I replace the board myself. Fairly easy, but now this. Yea that's what I figured, Windows thinks it's in a different computer. Can you explain what restore media means, and how to do it? Thanks.

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Google that?
Mar 26, 2015 5:11AM PDT
https://www.google.com/#q=What+is+restore+media

So that's the set of discs you made to restore the machine to its factory condition. My hope here is this is a HP board and the restore will work around the issue. Buying an OS is another hundred bucks and all the work of driver hunting and more.
Bob
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If you can get the restore media to run
Mar 26, 2015 8:52AM PDT

Then it should activate the install when it completes. Since it is Windows 7 and the if the replacement motherboard was/is an HP replacement, it should still be OK.

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Answer
your win 7 is non genuine
Mar 26, 2015 5:54AM PDT

You will have to purchase a new os. No legit way around it. Restore media will only have drivers for the old motherboard and not the new AND the restore media is the same as what is already installed and was already declared non genuine so no reason to waste your time.

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Yep!
Mar 26, 2015 10:17AM PDT

Plus I don't have any restore discs. So far no real biggie though, windows still works. Maybe in the near future I will cough up the hunny, but not today. Thanks for all the help. Ed

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If the PC works, you may be able to make restore media.
Mar 27, 2015 1:26AM PDT

HP and others have a make your own media so why not do that now?

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Good suggestion.
Mar 27, 2015 2:11PM PDT

I will look into that thanks.

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Answer
Actually calling MS won't
Apr 2, 2015 11:58PM PDT

work. When you purchase an OEM computer they install and support the OS. If the OEM replaces the motherboard they will activate Windows for you. The issue is if you buy a mobo from someone else and install it yourself the license doesn't transfer.

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Here's my MS thread
Apr 3, 2015 4:38AM PDT
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I've had a chat about OEM and such in Redmond.
Apr 3, 2015 4:44AM PDT

Microsoft is not about to make a court case about changing a motherboard in a HP or other PC and locking out the OS from working again. It would set a dangerous and expensive precedent so while they do not have to work out OEM license issues I have found they will to avoid what could be a bad decision against them.

Like replacing a Ford motor with a Ford motor then Delco telling you your computer engine box license is void, this is not going to be a winning case for Delco.

You solved it so there's proof it's fine. Some folk want to scare others.
Bob

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Thanks Rob
Apr 3, 2015 6:38AM PDT

Yea, I agree. Ed