Windows 10: Windows Pro licence lost after motherboard change

The motherboard in my Windows Pro Dell XPS laptop died and after changing, I ended up with a latop running Windows Home. No one at Dell responded to my queries and when I spoke to my laptop repair consultant, he said that he could upgrade my Windows version from Home to Pro for an additional fee!I managed to retrieve the original Windows Pro product key, but when I tried to activate it, it didn't work - Error 0x80041023.Do I really need to purchase Windows Pro again? I've already paid for it once - although it was probably an OEM version.

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Keeping Windows licence linked to account when changing motherboard

My Windows 10 Pro licence is linked to my Microsoft account, so when I change motherboard will I be able to use licenced Windows on the new motherboard without doing anything first such as deactivating Windows on the old motherboard?

 

MS: Upgraded Motherboard = New Windows Licence

Microsoft recently made a change to the licence agreement saying that a new motherboard is equal to a new computer, hence you need to purchase a new Windows licence. I don't know how true this is but it's going around the forums fast. People are flaming up a storm about it to. This is because a lot of user purchased legal copies of OEM XP/XP Pro and i's already a hassle to have to call in and activate your account everytime you install a new PCI device or change certain BIOS settings. So this is a the final blow I guess to get people to buy Vista. Inwhich I would steer clear from because there is an improved version coming out just after Vista. I can't recall the name at the moment. But any hoot. take a gander at this.

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MS: Upgraded Motherboard = New Windows Licence

MS changes licence retrspectively too!

My friend has a eMachines PC complete with OEM installed copy of XP home. The PC stopped working, I investigated and found the power supply blown - easy and cheap to fix £30 - a new power supply from PCWorld. *Smile
Then USB and audio on motherboard was found to have failed - easy and cheap to fix - new mother board. £30.*Smile

So for £60 I have a working PC BUT what is this? XP wants to be validated.
OK I phone MS and they are very helpful. I put in my valid key and ... Oh dear it is no good. *Mad

After speaking with a number of MS staff they tell me that they cannot help me as it is an OEM copy and give me the number of the eMachines support. I phone the "tech guys" and they are very helpful, tell me how other customers have had the same problem and ask for my extended support contract details - as soon as I say I haven't one they tell me they cannot help me... *Bang Head :banghead:

Back to MicroSoft, it seems the line is new motherboard = new pc = new XP licence
(cost £199 from PC world). I could get a new PC for not much more than £200 complete with another OEM licence!

I haven't upgraded the PC, I have changed nothing but the powersupply and motherboard. The PC has the same CPU, same memory, same hard disk, same case, same CD drive, same floppy. But microsoft insist it is 'new' and needs a full licence.

Microsoft's policy may help their bank balance and manufacturers of complete pcs but it contibutes to waste, adds to global warming and increases the number of disaffected microsoft users by 2.

So how do I get at all my photos and applications and data? MS answer is to pay for a full licence £199; my answer is to install a second hard drive £50, install linux (free) and copy over my pics, mp3s and data. I will need some new apps too as MS office wont work on linux.

So Microsoft, you have lost me (and my friend) lost future upgrade licence fees to vista, lost MS office licence fees and driven me reluctantly to linux.

PCWorld, I will now advise not to buy a PC with MS windows unless you are willing to pay for ongoing support that covers windows licence costs should the motherboard fail.