activation after hardware changes (OEM)

[Bill G.]

I bought my PC 5 years ago, with a OEM version of Windows XP Home
preinstalled, although as I recall, I had to activate it for the first time
(by automated phone call, as I didn't have internet access back then). All
these years I have done several clean reinstallations on the same
configuration, though I started doing that AFTER the first 120 days after
the first activation (don't know if that is of importance for the OEM
license). I also added RAM and a graphics card in between. All the
subsequent activations after the first ones were done automatically through
the Internet with no problems whatsoever.

However, I am considering replacing vital parts of my PC (motherboard,
processor, hard drive) as well as add RAM and other components. Probably a
clean reinstallation of XP will follow Will I be able to activate the
same copy of windows again over the Internet? Or over the phone? Or will I
have to purchase another license?

One more question (I know this isn't the proper newsgroup for this, but if
it can be answered, I would avoid having to explain the whole situation one
more time in the Vista newsgroup - Thank you for understanding) : I'm also
considering of purchasing an academic upgrade version of Vista Home Premium.
Given the above situation, will I be able to normally activate Vista after
upgrading over XP, after the hardware change and the reinstallation?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rock]

I bought my PC 5 years ago, with a OEM version of Windows XP Home
preinstalled, although as I recall, I had to activate it for the first time
(by automated phone call, as I didn't have internet access back then). All
these years I have done several clean reinstallations on the same
configuration, though I started doing that AFTER the first 120 days after
the first activation (don't know if that is of importance for the OEM
license). I also added RAM and a graphics card in between. All the
subsequent activations after the first ones were done automatically through
the Internet with no problems whatsoever.

However, I am considering replacing vital parts of my PC (motherboard,
processor, hard drive) as well as add RAM and other components. Probably a
clean reinstallation of XP will follow Will I be able to activate the
same copy of windows again over the Internet? Or over the phone? Or will I
have to purchase another license?

One more question (I know this isn't the proper newsgroup for this, but if
it can be answered, I would avoid having to explain the whole situation
one more time in the Vista newsgroup - Thank you for understanding) : I'm
also considering of purchasing an academic upgrade version of Vista Home
Premium. Given the above situation, will I be able to normally activate
Vista after upgrading over XP, after the hardware change and the
reinstallation?

Yes you should be able to activate in both cases - whether you'll have to
make a phone call I don't know.

 

[Frankster]

1) You'll probably have to call again to activate XP, with the changes you
have in mind. But that's okay. But that is IF you can install the same OEM
version at all. The reason your previous re-installations went so well is
probably because your activation was saved and you used the same OEM disk on
the "same" computer. This time, the OEM disk itself will think it is a
different computer (MB+Processor). If it is a "branded" OEM disk (i.e. Dell,
hp, Compaq, etc.) you may not be use it to install at all.

2) After some form of XP in installed, somehow, you will be able to use
Vista upgrade-priced retail version to do an in-place upgrade, with
automatic Internet activation. However... be prepared to run into Vista
driver and application issues.

-Frank