Ok, just to let everyone know I am such a newbie when it comes to hardware, in fact this week was the first time I've ever opened up a computer case. So just be aware that anything that is painfully obvious to you guys is probably not obvious to me.
Ok, so anyways I installed a new cpu chip a couple of days ago, found out that my motherboard that came with my storebought couldn't handle it so went out and bought a new motherboard. I get everything installed properly, load up the computer, everything looking good so far. Windows loads up and asks me to login, and after I do I get a prompt saying I have to reactive Windows to continue. So it gives me an installation ID that I have to call in, but when I do the computer automated operator says that it cannot find this ID as a valid installed product and says I have to reinstall. BUT since the computer I had was a stupid store bought eMachine, it didn't come with a Windows installation CD, just an eMachine restore CD. I can start in safe mode, just not in regular mode.
So am I screwed? Is the only way around this to go out and buy a copy of Windows to install? I didn't think Windows would care if I installed a new motherboard, but I guess I was wrong