"Robert Robinson" <robbiex@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:OUYMw5wkHHA.208@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> 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.
Activating does not alter the BIOS. Activation is triggered by hardware
changes. The changes are cumulative. Changes are tracked. Each change is
worth a certain number of points which varies according to what is changed.
Once you hit a certain number you have to activate. In your case the BIOS
update caused Windows to think something had changed, The point total of
this change plus previous ones was calculated and activation was triggered.
I don't know of any source of a reliable formula for tracking or calculating
when activation will occur. Adding removing SATA drives may be a
contributing factor depending on how your SATA controller handles them.
--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca