Just replaced the motherboard in our HP Touchsmart 310

Was out of my comfort zone, but it actually wasn't that hard to do. The only negative was that apparently we lost our Windows license, but Windows still works fine. The computer was dead, and with a little testing here and there with the help of these forums, it was a very high chance it was a failed component on the motherboard that was the problem. We really liked the computer, so figured $114 was a good risk to take, and IT WORKED!

 

Unfortunately, OEM installs/Product Keys are tied to the original motherboard. You may be able to contact MS, explain exactly what happened and they can help you activate Windows. Don't use the automated system! Talk to a real person. I've heard of people being given a hard time about this but, if you get hold of someone who REALLY knows his/her stuff, they'll be able to help you get Windows activated.

 

Thanks. Yea, I will do everything I can to get Windows fully activated. Like you say, it might take a while to talk to the right person. Thank goodness it's not an emergency, and supposedly Windows will still get the critical updates. As long as we don't mind living with the really cool black desktop look for a while

 

Apparently your Desktop is set to high contrast like mine is because I have visual impairment. You can change back to a normal desktop by going into Control Panel -> Ease of Access Center and changing settings back.

 

musksnipe, Neither option worked for me, it simply doesn't recognize my copy of Windows. I don't have the product key because it was an OEM install.

mdonah, Yea, we can reset the desktop, but I heard it will go back to black in an hour. I'll try it.

 

Computer manufacturers are required by law to provide a COA/Product Key sticker attached to the computer case for Win 7 and earlier. This is in case BIOS becomes corrupted or there's some other failure. If this is a laptop, it may be under the battery. The Product Key on that sticker should activate Windows when you're speaking to a human. Make sure you have the info from the Service Ticket to help you verify the mobo replacement. If the person you speak to says it can't be done because it's an OEM/SLP, hang up and go through the process again.

 

mdonah, Gosh, I just can't seem to find that sticker with the Windows product key. It's an HP Touchsmart 310 desktop. I'll take another look and do some research and call HP if necessary. I replaced the motherboard myself. The part number is identical to the original.

musksnipe, OK, yea, it's a desktop, so no battery, but I will try like heck to find that key.

 

mdonah, Gosh, I just can't seem to find that sticker with the Windows product key. It's an HP Touchsmart 310 desktop. I'll take another look and do some research and call HP if necessary. I replaced the motherboard myself. The part number is identical to the original.

musksnipe, OK, yea, it's a desktop, so no battery, but I will try like heck to find that key.

 

OK, I found it!!!!!!! It was on the bottom of the base. Should I input the key myself, or call them and let a real person do it?

 

GOOD NEWS!!! All I had to do is type the Windows key in, and it activated. Yippee!!!!

 

Terrific!:major

Now you won't have to worry about a 30 day trial period or not getting security updates. It's a good thing you checked the base. Those COAs could be anywhere on the case.

 

Yea, finding the coa was hard enough, but the part that really had me confused was that there are 2 Windows activation keys for OEM installations. The first one is the one they use in the factory when they install Windows. That's the only time that key will work, it's tied to the motherboard. The second key is the one on the sticker on the computer. That code is different than the first and it worked for me after I replaced the motherboard.

 

That sticker key was the one I had to use when I replaced the system board in my Dell laptop. But I only had to use it one time. If I've needed to re-install Windows from the OEM disk since then, I haven't had to enter it. It may not be the same with your HP desktop though.