Robert Robinson

Mamamegs wrote:
> on 10-5-2007, Robert Robinson supposed :
>> It is my understanding that Microsoft modifies a motherboard's BIOS
>> code as part of the activation process. I installed a factory
>> recommended BIOS update and Windows Server 2007 now wants to be
>> re-activated.
>> Modifying BIOS code is a risky process. Any failure, as from a power
>> outage, floppy read error or software glitch, can result in an
>> inoperable BIOS. Correcting this problem requires either a new EEPROM
>> IC or "factory" re-programming of the existing IC. In the interim, the
>> computer is completely disabled.
>> Microsoft's modification of BIOS code is an unwarranted, hazardous
>> intrusion of customer owned hardware.
>
> As far as I know this is only being done with OEM versions and not by MS
> but by the OEM. I could be wrong though.
>
Thanks to both for the follow-up.
I don't know the details of how the operating system activation
interacts with the BIOS. It is possible that the Microsoft mandated
modifications only apply to OEM products.
There should not be any need to re-activate after a BIOS update.
Presumably, the motherboard and CPU IDs are unchanged. In this instance,
there were no differences whatsoever in the hardware configuration.

A different question about activation involves the use of external SATA
drives. We haven't had a problem with connecting and disconnecting a
single SATA drive, but wonder if using multiple external SATA drives
might trigger a re-activation.