Well, it is normal that Windows needs to be activated.
But I'm sure that's not the simple answer you wanted. I note from your other discussion (here) that you were concerned about the legitimacy of your laptop after you got it back from repair a while ago and they replaced the motherboard.
I think what you are asking is, should a Windows Update require re-activation. If so, then the answer is No, it shouldn't. So what you are seeing is a little strange.
However, a motherboard replacement is considered a major hardware change by Microsoft and that might have forced this requirement to activate again. I wonder if there was some anti-piracy component of the update(s) you installed that has questioned this current configuration.
Have you activated? You should be able to do that from the My Computer's Properties window. On the {slight} chance that it fails, there should be a toll-free phone number offered to you so you can telephone Microsoft to discuss this. If that happens, give them a call and tell them what happened. By all accounts they are very helpful.
Good luck.
Mark
I have Windows Home Premium SP 1 [OEM]on a laptop. I downloaded SP2 of same 32 bit [stand alone verion] and successfully install it. The laptop seemed to work with no problems. Out of curiousity, I check My Computer's properties and found that I have to activate Windows. Is this normal and standrd procedure ? Thanks.
christy

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