You don't really have any choice that I know of, as the license terms are very clear. XP is readily available on Ebay. On Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 6:55 AM, Bruce Lund <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > OK, for those that have been watching, I just did an XP Home restore on my eMachines D2880. > Computer was purchased new over 5 years ago.I paid to have a new mother board installed about a year ago.I did a system restore last week due to a system error.I spent a couple hours last night trying to (re)activate the operating system online, then on the phone with Microsoft and then, after they told me it was a bulk license number and I would have to resolve with the manufacturer,I did an online chat with eMachines who told me that, because I replaced the mother board, I would have to buy a new license at retail, which I don't think is even possible at this point, even though the concept that a mother board failing (and later system restore) triggers the necessity of buying a new license just seems wrong in oh so many ways.So, who do I pressure on this (and how)? Microsoft? eMachines? The outfit that installed the mother board? If it is the local outfit that did the mother board a year ago, I can camp out on their door step although that would be > uncomfortable since they never got the system right after the mobo replacement. But if this should be handled by Microsoft or eMachines, how do I get past their un-empowered employees who I believe are on the other side of the world and/or their faceless chat agents? > > Needless to say, this is incredibly aggravating after the hours (and counting) I took to restore the system in the first place. So where do I apply the pressure, besides the "What's Your Problem?" column at the Chicago Tribune? > Bruce The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech support at our website: http://freepctech.com