Removed a DVD Drive, windows needs re-activation, then says key is ran out.

[Logic Zero]

WTFUX. Seriously.

I removed a dvd drive from my brothers computer (initially an HP, but replaced the motherboard on it) and windows tells us to reactivate. So we do, we try and do it online but windows says the key has exceeded its uses. What the hedge it's been reinstalled ONCE! We turned the computer off to put the drive bay back in and see if the screen would go away but microsoft decided to fudge us over and not boot anymore.

This has properly pancaked me off as there are so many important documents on that HDD. Luckily I just backed them all up.

What's the best way to go about this blooming annoying issue?

 

[Peg]

Phone Microsoft up and activate it.

 

[Scythe]

Edit out the swearies dude!

IIRC, you just need to ring a number, say you've only changed the DVD drive and the person will give you a code to reactivate it. It's no big deal. But, according to OEM terms, the key is registered to the motherboard of the computer, so you're breaking the law and (technically) running pirate software

 

[RJC]

Indeed, new motherboard new license required.
Only retail license can you change the motherboard and still use the same key.

Rob