How to get a new product key for Windows 7 & 8 after changing computer components?

The motherboard burned up in my 2 year old computer running Windows 7. After replacing the motherboard, the sysem would not boot-up and I had to reloaded the operating system. When I went to activate the software, I found that the product key did not work.

So,I telephoned Microsoft thinking this is just some security measure to keep the thieves from stealing Microsoft's products. I am good with that since it helps to keep the price down on the operating system.

Sadly, I was informed by the Microsoft telephone support representative that I would have to pay for a new product key to be generated. After 48 minutes of trying to explain that it was the same computer just a different motherboard, I finally asked to speak

with a supervisor. After another 15 minute wait, the representative came back to say his supervisor would make this one-time exception and give me a new product key. Sad, Sad, Sad over an hour on the phone trying to get a license for something I already own.

What am I suppose to do in the future if something fails on my computer. I bought a license from Microsoft. I should not have to keep paying for the same product.

We had the same problem at work about 6 months later when we upgraded the CPU from a single core to a double core. When the system crashed on boot-up our company's "computer guru" decided to reload the Windows 7. When it would not accept the product key

he called Microsoft and got the same run around. He told them everything was the same except the CPU. His representative told him his actions voided Microsoft license agreement. The guru's solution was to run down to BestBuy and get another copy of Win 7.

In all my years with Microsoft, from DOS 5.0 & Windows 3.0 though Windows 8, I have never really understood so many people beating on Microsoft's licensing agreements. I always attributed it to the lowly Apple fanatic. Maybe I have been too much a Microsoft

fanatic.

View the thread