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September 1st, 2024 00:52
Question for any technician
This may be a stupid question, and for sure it’s an uninformed one at best….I have a Dell Inspiron 5680 desktop with a bad motherboard. I sent the system to Dell for repair and they returned it to me unrepaired because of the unavailability of a “bracket”
So I have a dead system now and I can buy a used system, exact same model and hardware for a good price. I can also alternatively, buy a used working motherboard for my system for a good price. Will I have problems booting to windows on the used motherboard? Also, would it be possible to swap my boot drive to the used system if I buy that, and boot from it? Will I run into windows issues if I do this? My main goal is to have my system setup restored as it was, if at all possible. Thanks for any info ahead of time.
Jeff12974
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September 6th, 2024 16:13
Alright, so I ordered an open box 5680 motherboard off of Ebay and replaced it myself. I didn’t find any broken “bracket” so I have no clue why Dell couldn’t have just fixed it for me. I did not need to reactivate windows, I just needed to log in to microsoft to authenticate my account and it’s back to the way it was, like nothing ever happened.
DELL-Cares auto response
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September 1st, 2024 00:52
Chino de Oro
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September 1st, 2024 04:56
Unless you contact Dell support directly, a technician hardly answer the questions that posted on here. While you are awaiting for any Dell Technician replying to your query, I can provide the answer to your question.
Your Windows license was embedded on your original motherboard and was activated with unique hardware ID of your system configurations. When you purchase another motherboard replacement, it will not included Windows license. A used system may or may not have Windows license depending on seller advertisement.
For your main goal, you can swap your original boot drive into a replacement system, or motherboard to keep original settings and programs. It will boot, but, you will need another Windows license for activation.
Jeff12974
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September 1st, 2024 13:35
@Chino de Oro Thanks for responding….Okay, is there a way to use my previous license key to reactivate? Can I reach out to Dell to acquire said license key? Is the license key printed on a sticker somewhere on my dell desktop?
My apologies for spamming questions, thanks in advance for anyones answers.
Chino de Oro
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September 2nd, 2024 03:44
I afraid those options are limited only to a motherboard replacement by Dell warranty service. Unlike the legacy Windows, starting with Windows 8, Dell ceased to include the Windows product key stickers on their systems.
If you prefer to stick with Inspiron 5680, check auction site for brand new barebone system for around $130 USD. After transferring your components over, there is very high chance that it will boot and work properly.
Jeff12974
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September 3rd, 2024 20:20
@Chino de Oro One more question if I may. What if I buy a used Dell 5680 motherboard? Those are available from what I can see. Would it be possible to reactivate windows from it?
Chino de Oro
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September 4th, 2024 05:18
For purpose of system repair, a stripped down barebone but new condition system will likely to work. There is less chance of success repair with a used motherboard.
For purpose of operating system, a motherboard or barebone will likely lose its license without CPU no matter how much you want it to work.
Direction and advise can be given. But, best option will be depending on your current viable PC components, what is your intend usages, your budget, PC skill, and accessible markets, you can make a feasible choice base on those circumstances. The most costly repair is for sentimental keepsake.
Jeff12974
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September 4th, 2024 22:40
@Chino de Oro Thanks for the info you have provided. My endgame is that I wanted to restore my system and setup as it was, booting from my previous OS, or at least maintain my settings, apps and passwords. I have a down system with a bad motherboard, diagnosed by Dell, with good components(Hard Drive, Ram, Video Card, etc) that Dell repair returned unrepaired because of an unavailable bracket. I am trying to find a way to bring my system back from the dead.