Vista OEM transfer limits

[Guest]

Vista had originaly a transfer limitation in its license, but MS revoked that:

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39284549,00.htm

At least for the retail version. But, what about OEM versions that you can
buy without buying a new computer? Are transfer limitations for the OEM
versions ditched too, or not?

Can I reactivate a Vista OEM version after I changed the mainboard twice?
(and activated each time)

I am a bit confused about this because in this article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/20070126/tc_zd/199653

It's been said that:

----

"A Microsoft representative confirmed that users may buy an OEM copy of
Windows Vista at a substantial discount, provided they adhere to the terms of
the license – which, incidentally, may mean providing support for family
members.

In addition, users should still be subject to the same familiar
re-activation restrictions as users of a retail Vista license and
Windows XP, a spokeswoman said. Users can alter the PC's hardware
substantially, but they will be forced to reactivate – not repurchase the OEM
software – if they do, she said. "

 

[Paul Smith]

Can I reactivate a Vista OEM version after I changed the mainboard twice?
(and activated each time)

I am a bit confused about this because in this article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/20070126/tc_zd/199653

So, is the limitation in OEM ditched too?

OEM versions are stuck forever on the machine they're installed on, by the
license you accepted. If that's enforced by activation, I don't know. But
from reading that I'm under the impression that activation behaves the same
as retail.

If you change the motherboard, as long as its still the same physical
computer then that is within the license.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User.
http://www.windowsresource.net/
Get ready for Windows Vista: http://www.windowsvista.com/getready/

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[Colin Barnhorst]

That only applied to retail editions.

"the friendly display name"