Windows 10: Get back to Windows 10 after motherboard replaced and hard drive failed

Dell XPS One 2720 All-in-one


My history:

Machine supplied with Windows 8.1

Motherboard replaced during first year and machine shipped back to me

Free upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10

Hard drive failed last month and replaced

Windows 8.1 reinstalled by Dell last week cannot now be activated as the activation server has determined that the product key has been blocked.

Dell says I have to buy a new mother board if I want to get Windows 10!

Is there a cheaper solution?

:)

 

Replacing the Motherboard/CPU and the Hard Drive

If you are replacing your motherboard you will probably need to purchase a new Windows 10 licence as your digital entitlement (which is stored on a Microsoft server, not on a chip) is tied to your motherboard.

It is OK to replace a hard drive or other devices, but the motherboard requires a new licence as it is essentially a new PC!

 

Windows 10-Replacing failed hard drive

Hi,

I have a Dell XPS15 that was running Windows 10 but the hard drive has failed completely and needs replacing. How do I go about installing and activating Windows 10 on a replacement hard drive?

Thanks

 

replacing motherboard

My motherboard is flaky, I want to replace it before it fails completely. The hard drive is fully functional. How do I do that without having to reinstall windows.