Replacing an OEM motherboard

I'm trying to replace a fried motherboard in an older machine with XP Home OEM. The replacement that I ordered has an ASUS model number that matches the original, but I've just noticed that the HP part numbers are slightly different. Will I be able to activate XP with the new board, or will I have to RMA it and buy one that matches perfectly?

Original: ASUS A8N-LA, HP/Compaq Nagami2L-GL8, HP P/N: 5188-5473

Replacement: ASUS A8N-LA, HP/Compaq Nagami-GL8, HP P/N: 5188-4327

The images of the boards look virtually identical.

Original:


Replacement:


Edit: Moved topic from XP to the more appropriate forum. ~ Animal

I would proceed installing it. If its has trouble activating than I would talk to Microsoft Activation and tell them exact program and what you did to resolve it. They could just allow it to activate.

The only different I see is the replacement is a micro-ATX and the Original is ATX. If you have a OEM case that only fits into the ATX not Micro ATM but all cases have generic mounting points. Do a test make sure that all the screws line up by your provide pictures

I think coxchris is correct. It's not necessary to use a totally identical mainboard to enable a Windows installation to remain activated, or to be re-activated.

Microsoft understands that computers may need repair. Where the OEM license is tied to original hardware, it's satisfactory for the replacement to be an equivalent board, so that the system is not sufficiently "upgraded" to become a different computer.

The need for Windows to be re-activated is triggered by a threshold of equipment change occurring within a 120 day window. If the threshold is not exceeded by your change, Windows may not need to be re-activated at all. Also, since the components presumably are electronically the same (same chipset etc) there may be no need to update drivers or repair the install either.

XP does have a lowish threshold, so if the change is sufficient to trigger activation, see if on-line activation is accepted. If not, contact Microsoft and explain that a failed mainboard has been replaced with the manufacturer's nearest equivalent. They should have no hesitation in issuing you with a new activation code.

The link below explains Microsoft's view of activation and the procedures involved - it's intended to be a barrier to illicit software sharing, which is why it's part of a discussion of piracy. You're not doing any piracy, so I don't expect they will have any problem if your new mainboard makes Windows need activation.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/mpa.aspx

That's a huge relief! This PC belongs to my friend's 88-year-old grandma, who has no interest in purchasing a whole new machine or spending any more than absolutely necessary on new parts. I expect the new board to be in on Tuesday, if all goes well, and I'll report back then.

Good news! The replacement went smoothly, with all drivers immediately recognized and no activation issues. One weird quirk though, every time the PC boots, an error appears claiming that the system fan has failed. Baffling, considering that the fan spins fine and is actively circulating the air. I'm guessing its a consequence of the replacement board being a refurbished model. Thanks for the advice!

Please make sure that your system fan is plug into the correct Plug. That error usually occurs when the fan is in the wrong connector. Either System Fan =CASE_FAN1 or CPU_FAN1 is that fan. It will beep at you but its working "One rule that we have "if is ain't broken dont fix it" or if you dont want that error that is the solution

I am glad that everything went smoothly

Happy Computing

Glad to hear of success. In addition to coxchris' post, if the fan is plugged into the correct socket (make sure they're not differently labelled between the boards), check in the BIOS to see if fan monitoring is enabled for an extra fan your system doesn't have.