trying to get replacement USB transceiver for my wireless keyboard

It is NOT a security reason, it is a profit reason.  While other companies are able to sell you wireless kits with changeable parts, MS decides not to.  My Logitech keyboard and mouse combo cause no interference with the Logitech keyboard and mouse combo in the office beside mine.  Same at home, when I'm using a Logitech device and my g/f uses hers.  If they are able to allow me to only have to replace a receiver, or broken/defective piece of hardware to get any of their products working with *, so can MS.  THEY CHOOSE NOT TO.

Hi All,

As a computer technician, I would like to explain to you why the receiver cannot be replaced and then paired to your existing keyboard (or mouse).

During manufacturing, the USB dongle is mated to your keyboard/mouse. It's inscribed with the identifier of the keyboard/mouse and will only "talk" to that keyboard and mouse. The reason this is done is for security reasons. Say for example, you live in an apartment, or are in close proximity to someone else with a keyboard/mouse and it's the same model as you. Do you want your keyboard or mouse accidentally paired to your co-worker's or neighbors computer? I would think not.

Unfortunately, there is not a way to simply rewrite the code on the USB dongle so it speaks with your existing keyboard/mouse. The pairing instructions for your mouse/keyboard will only work with the original dongle.

Also, to address the car analogy with the key. While this is a valid point, it's still flawed. Your car company has the means of getting "blank" keys and reprogramming them (or with older keys, cutting them based on your car's keycode that is usually on a sticker in your glove box that you haven't removed).

With a keyboard/mouse, this option is not available as there is no way to find out the encoded serial number on the keyboard/mouse for it to be programmed to as it's encrypted in the circuit board/chip and is encoded in a way for other people not to be able to read it and intercept keyboard input.

It's a security reason.

I called the hardware replacement line about a getting a transceiver for my Wireless Natural Ergonomic K+M 7000. My old one just stopped being recognized by any of my computers one day and would no longer turn green to indicate it was getting power. The set was workplace issued so it was under warranty and they immediately offered to replace the whole unit. Apparently they no longer have the 7000 model so they offered the Sculpt Ergonomic or Wireless Ergonomic 5000 Desktop instead. 1-3 day business class shipping free of charge and all I had to do was read my product ID. No hassle but I imagine if it weren't under warranty I'd of had a different experience.

I called MS supplemental parts today (as suggested by the accepted answer), and didn't even have to talk to a supervisor. They replaced the whole keyboard, free.