HELP!! Serious issue when replacing failed video card Vista Bugs and Problems Discuss HELP!! Serious issue when replacing failed video card in the Windows Vista forums; Not trying to ARGUE. trying to find out why? as you stated. I purchased the OEM package directly from my local PC Club store where I purchased the motherboard. It ...

[Snuffy]

Not trying to ARGUE. trying to find out why?
as you stated.

I purchased the OEM package directly from my local PC Club store where I purchased the motherboard. It was a sealed package, and it has only been activated at the initial install. If the number was hacked by someone else, it should not become my problem

and info from MS sites:

OEM:SLP Keys
* OEM SLP (System-Locked Pre-installation) keys are only issued to the big manufacturers such as Dell, Asus, Sony, etc.
* These are the only keys that are able to bypass activation that is, perform offline activation without contacting Microsoft.
* They will work with any OEM SLP system, regardless of the OEM system’s brand i.e. Product Keys are not brand specific.
* These keys are not be displayed on a product sticker or made public.
* Product Key Group ID 146

or maybe you have this type:

OEM:NONSLP Keys
* OEM NONSLP Keys (Non System Locked Pre-installation) are similar to Retail, but distributed and supported by an OEM (pre-installed by a small manufacturer also known as a System Builder).
* Needs activation by phone or online and they are not brand specific.
* These keys will work in general same as Retail or Upgrade keys and can be used only once.
* Product Key Group ID 146.

If you have type 2, then your KEY has been hacked! and the question should be WHY or HOW this happened.???
My Product Key Group ID 468. Retail. and I have replaced the Video card 3 or 4 times, 1. 7300GS Fan failed, 2. Install PCI Video card (old standby), 3. Replaced Old PCI with 7600GS, (wow was impressed), 4. replaced the 7600GS with the 7300GS after new Fan installed (tested OK), 5. replaced 7300GS with 7600GS... (never was ask to re-activate.. 6. Removed Boot HDD, ATA 60GB - replaced with SATA 80GB, (not Re-Activation requested), 7. Replaced old IBM 120 GB HDD with new ATA 160GB HDD.. no re-activation requested. I have only been ask to Activate once. the very first time I changed from Beta to Full Ultimate... where as I used the Welcome Center --> show more detail --> change Product Key --> where it then went into Activation mode and Activated ...

Snuffy:

What I have is the "OEM System Builder Pack" which I activated when I did my original "fresh" install after the upgrade failed. The only items which have changed on my system are the coming and going of USB drives - which are for backup of data purposes and the coming and going of my Wacom tablet. I have had several upgrades to my Logitech Quick Cam which required reboot. And I have installed and removed a number of different Software packages. NONE of the above has ever required me to re-activate.

The only thing I'm doing which I consider at risk is the use of Windows One-Care for everything - Virus/Spyware/Firewall/Updates.

A lot of the things I'm doing is in evaluation of Vista for use elsewhere if I can gain the correct confidence level in it.