I've had to reformat and reinstall my os a few times because of problems, and this time when I try to activate xp it tells me the key is expired, and I have to call customer support. I did and got a new key with no problem but it took a while as you can expect. Do I need to go through this every time from now on that I need to reinstall xp? I never knew about this.

Oh yeah I forgot to mention I just switched to a new mobo, that probably answers my question right?

Yep, that pretty much answers your question.

Making big hardware changes will require you to reactivate Windows.

Anytime you have to reformat before 6 months of the last activation of windows you will have to call microsoft and explain what has happened.

I rang MS up the other day to get mine reactivated. Amazingly mine's an OEM copy so tbh shud be with the pc I sold but oh well.

All they asked is it on any other pc atm and of course it isn't and another question. Not once did they ask am I on the original hardware......

Elsp...it doesnt matter if it's on the original hardware...you own the software. As long as it isnt on more than 1 computer at a time..you are legit. Now if you sold that system with the same Windows on it that you have on yours..THAT is illegal. Shame on you

Nah I formatted windows and the pr0n off before I sold it ^_^

So you sold the computer with NO windows installed on it? If so...then you are good.

Yeah but a 2nd mate installed a windows pirate on it ^_^

Ah well I never broken copyright laws.....well apart from Office 2000 Pro, Visual Studios 6, Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop CS.....

lol...alright...enough of this before you get in trouble.