Windows 10 activation fails after motherboard change

[Your PCMD]

Why replace a $50 mainboard, then run the risk of needing a $100 copy of windows, when a refurb system core with a Win10 pro sticker on it is $170?

I would like to know what core you speak of.

These situations are prime opportunities to get people off garbage, and into a good rig.

If its a vendor (Dell, HP, etc.) I've only seen i3's or i5's with DDR3 and spinners which isn't the greatest and also those rigs are not grade A but lower B and C.

 

[mikeroq]

You are absolutely wrong. When the motherboard was replaced BEFORE the first boot, the Dell serial number should be set to match the previous motherboard. If this was done, it wouldn't even know the motherboard was changed.

Next time, set the Service Tag (Serial) before you even connect the SATA cable for the hard drive. Usually, this is enough to convince Windows 10 the motherboard was never changed.

That only works if you get a new/refurbished replacement motherboard from Dell. They come with the service tag blank. Once a service tag is set it cannot be changed.

 

[mikeroq]

You are absolutely wrong. When the motherboard was replaced BEFORE the first boot, the Dell serial number should be set to match the previous motherboard. If this was done, it wouldn't even know the motherboard was changed.

Next time, set the Service Tag (Serial) before you even connect the SATA cable for the hard drive. Usually, this is enough to convince Windows 10 the motherboard was never changed.

That only works if you get a new/refurbished replacement motherboard from Dell. They come with the service tag blank. Once a service tag is set it cannot be changed.

 

[Sky-Knight]

@Your PCMD, That's my average cost for a refurbished Dell Optiplex with a dual core i3, 8gb of ram, and whatever hdd they have on the shelf. I take those, stuff in an SSD and sell it refurbished. If I need a new Win10 license, it's cheaper to get that old system refurbished with the key on it, than it is to buy a new key and mainboard for another existing system.

 

[Your PCMD]

@Your PCMD, That's my average cost for a refurbished Dell Optiplex with a dual core i3, 8gb of ram, and whatever hdd they have on the shelf. I take those, stuff in an SSD and sell it refurbished. If I need a new Win10 license, it's cheaper to get that old system refurbished with the key on it, than it is to buy a new key and mainboard for another existing system.

Right. https://www.dellrefurbished.com/desktop-computers/dell-optiplex-3020-199529.html?

5 year old machine with DDR3 for $219. That's not really a bargain when you put in an SSD and your up to $260 + time it leaves you little margin for profit. Looking on the Dell refurb site, this one is more on par at $140, but I don't think its worth the hassle of an almost 8 year old machine. Having the 3020 above would be better IMO but at a cheaper price. Granted, dependent upon your location, you might get $300, $350 or more, but here where I am, no one is going to pay over $250 for a refurb and they aren't going to buy a 8 year old machine either.

 

[Sky-Knight]

@Your PCMD Who said anything about buying from Dell? I sell these all day for $300-$350 as complete systems, I make about $100 a unit. Get a better supplier. If your market doesn't like used... then whatever? Mine seems perfectly happy to be able to get two business class machines for the price of one, and my clients reliably get 5+ years out of each of them. There is minimal real benefit of a gen 7 vs a gen 3 in production, despite what Intel claims. Now Gen8... that power savings matters a bit, and some clients like that.

Heck I've got three 5+ year old systems behind me right now, client just handed them over after buying SSDs to put in them. Already got Win10 so I'm SSD'ing the things, and updating Win10 to 1809.

 

[Your PCMD]

@Sky-Knight no need to get testy. I'm just trying to have a constructive conversation with you and to get a bit of insight. I'll try again. You mentioned "complete systems". Complete as in K&M + monitor? Or simply K&M? Just trying to see how I can bring something like this into my shop for potential and existing business clients as a way to increase their volume vs. budget.

 

[NETWizz]

How is this done? The utility I see mentioned in various sites is said not to work on recent model Dells.

It has been a few years since I have used it, but asset.com always worked for me. Not saying it works on recent models, but I would certainly give it a try. Regardless, any new or refurb from Dell usually lets you set it in the setup utility.

 

[NETWizz]

That only works if you get a new/refurbished replacement motherboard from Dell. They come with the service tag blank. Once a service tag is set it cannot be changed.

There is a tool to change the service tag though it is not a documented command. Should be able to get the tool here:
ftp://ftp.dell.com/utility/asseta00.exe

Put it on an MS-DOS bootable USB Memory stick and boot it.

Here is what's documented...

ASSET new_asset_tag Specify new asset tag

ASSET /d Delete asset tag

ASSET /o new_owner_tag Specify new owner tag (if applicable)

ASSET /o /d Delete owner tag (if applicable)

ASSET /? Help screen


I haven't tested it with every model, but it usually works provided there isn't a system or user password set. If there is, pull the pswd jumper and power on the system until you hear beep beep. Turn it off and replace the jumper.

The command is asset /s /d

That usually deletes the service tag. After you do that, you can just press F2 to go into setup and set a new service tag.


Then you verify the new tag is set by rebooting back into setup... Finally you connect the SATA connector, and let the OS boot.


Here is the utility I think I used to use... It's been 10 years:
https://rumorscity.com/2013/12/04/how-to-create-a-dos-bootable-usb-drive/

 

[mikeroq]

My research tells me that only works if the board has a blank service tag. It should not be able to change existing service tags. However some indicated that older models would let you do that while never ones won't.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 9 while driv ik gndjfhd

 

[NETWizz]

My research tells me that only works if the board has a blank service tag. It should not be able to change existing service tags. However some indicated that older models would let you do that while never ones won't.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 9 while driv ik gndjfhd

Older models absolutely let you do it. I haven't found one yet that wouldn't. I was using ASSET_A09.com years ago. Maybe that was the ticket.

 

[Sky-Knight]

@Your PCMD, ahh yes, the refurbs I order are tower, keyboard, and mouse. I never include monitors. I use CDI Computers to source them. They've usually got some cosmetic damage, and I only sell them in blocks of 4 or more, and I always require the purchase of a spare or two. The idea here is not to "save the client money" directly. The idea is to deal with the reality that we can refurbish used older business grade equipment for another 4-5 years of use, and get two units for the price of 1 new one. This allows the client to maintain a revolving fleet of older systems. But it's not cheaper over time, but it is a way to siphon off more money for yourself while doing it vs selling new.

My clients love it because it reduces eWaste, and they get to refresh stuff quicker, and they don't have this huge homogeneous blob of something that all craps out at the same time. But we also have monsoons out here... so new doesn't last any longer than used for us. Arizona lightning makes short work of anything, even systems protected by good UPSs.

You have tornadoes... so logic and sales should be similar!

 

[timeshifter]

When the motherboard was replaced BEFORE the first boot, the Dell serial number should be set to match the previous motherboard.

How do you edit the serial number?

 

[mikeroq]

How do you edit the serial number?

When you get a replacement board from Dell it comes with a blank service tag. You can go into the BIOS and fill in the service tag. One time only.

 

[Larry Sabo]

When you get a replacement board from Dell it comes with a blank service tag. You can go into the BIOS and fill in the service tag. One time only.

And if it's not from Dell?

 

[mikeroq]

And if it's not from Dell?

If it was sourced as a replacement board from Dell it will be blank. That may end up in the hands of a third party and resold. But most boards you are going to get outside of Dell are going to be system pulls.

There are utilities out there for older systems that can change the service tag. I haven't seen one yet that will work on newer ones. From what I see once they switched to UEFI it cannot be changed.