Hey fellas.

I have a rather troublesome issue. My old gateway pc died. I rebuilt it with a new mobo and video card. The harddrive is the same.

When I boot up Windows it says I have to re-activate it. The computer has an internet connection. It refuses to activate with the online verification. Ive called the MS automated help and I read them a 9 group key, each group with 6 numbers (This isnt the 25 digit Windows product key).

After viewing some forums it came to my attention that I may need to purchase a new Windows license. Some say once new hardware is detected (like a new mobo or HD) that you may have to purchase a new OS because manuf like Dell, Gateway, HP wont recognize the hardware as being 'gateway'

My question to you is, do I need to get another copy of XP?

Note- The old computer never came with a windows product activation key and Gateway wants money for me to retrieve it.

Is there a way to get this new computer up and running without shelling out money for a new OS or calling Gateway fee based tech support?

Thanks to all,

-Ghaz-

I figured it out

If an admin wants to delete this go ahead. I tried deleting the thread but permission was denied.

-Ghaz-

Would you share your "figuring it out"? Other members probably can use your finding at some later time.

cheers ...

lol sure.

Im actually just blind. The 25 digit product key was actually on my case but it blends in really well with the muted greys.

I had originally read that some companies (Dell, HP) actually now dont put product keys on the cases anymore due to fear of piracy and change of ownership.

I havent bought a new pc in while so I dont know but I find it hard to believe they would deny us such important info.

A note to those reading, double check that your numbers and letters are correct when activating, if you mess up you'll have to repeat the process again and it will chew another 10 minutes.

-Ghaz-

cool indeed. Thanks for the feedback.

cheers ...

just wanted to point out that that is not true, and is in fact against Microsoft policy to sell a machine with Windows without the COA

good to know, I knew when I read it that it seemed hard to believe.

Thanks for clarifying

-Ghaz-