Another activation question

[Guest]

Three years ago I built my own computer from components purchased on line. At
the same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro figuring I didn't need to
spent the extra money for the full retail version just to get Microsoft
support. Now I want a faster processsor, and in order to have one I have to
upgrade motherboard too. Is Microsoft going to give me trouble when I try to
reactivate Windows XP on this same computer with a new motherboard, processor
and RAM?

 

[Woody]

if its been more than 120 days since you last activated , it will go right
through over the internet . if less , all you have to do is use the phone
option and explain that you had to replace your defective motherboard .

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The license for an OEM version is forever tied to the first hardware
configuration it was installed and activated on. Since you are replacing
the motherboard, that may constitute a different computer and your
OEM license will probably not be permitted to successfully activate.

Changing a Motherboard or Moving a Hard Drive with XP Installed
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.mspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Three years ago I built my own computer from components purchased on line. At
| the same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro figuring I didn't need to
| spent the extra money for the full retail version just to get Microsoft
| support. Now I want a faster processsor, and in order to have one I have to
| upgrade motherboard too. Is Microsoft going to give me trouble when I try to
| reactivate Windows XP on this same computer with a new motherboard, processor
| and RAM?

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Three years ago I built my own computer from components
purchased on
line. At the same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro
figuring
I didn't need to spent the extra money for the full retail
version
just to get Microsoft support. Now I want a faster processsor,
and in
order to have one I have to upgrade motherboard too. Is
Microsoft
going to give me trouble when I try to reactivate Windows XP on
this
same computer with a new motherboard, processor and RAM?

Very possibly. The difference between a retail version and an OEM
is *not* just the lack of Microsoft support for the OEM version.
The biggest disadvantage of an OEM version is that its license
ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on; it
can never be installed on a different one. Exactly what
constitutes a different computer is a somewhat gray area, but
there's a good chance that Microsoft will interpret a new
motherboard as its being a different computer.

 

[Woody]

<that may constitute a different computer >

actually i'm pleasantly surprised to see you and others saying "may" instead
of "shall" in the context of that sentence .

 

[kurttrail]

Three years ago I built my own computer from components purchased on
line. At the same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro figuring
I didn't need to spent the extra money for the full retail version
just to get Microsoft support. Now I want a faster processsor, and in
order to have one I have to upgrade motherboard too. Is Microsoft
going to give me trouble when I try to reactivate Windows XP on this
same computer with a new motherboard, processor and RAM?

The only way MS knows what hardware you are actually using is if you
tell them if you have to phone for activation.

So if you have to phone them don't tell them.

Otherwise, what Woody said was true.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Alias]

In


Very possibly. The difference between a retail version and an OEM is *not*
just the lack of Microsoft support for the OEM version. The biggest
disadvantage of an OEM version is that its license ties it permanently to
the first computer it's installed on; it can never be installed on a
different one. Exactly what constitutes a different computer is a somewhat
gray area, but there's a good chance that Microsoft will interpret a new
motherboard as its being a different computer.

That's why he has to lie and say he's replacing a defective motherboard,
although the EULA doesn't mention motherboard, some guy in India may have
his own ideas which will force one to buy another XP for the same, albeit
upgraded, computer.

Alias

 

[kurttrail]

That's why he has to lie and say he's replacing a defective
motherboard, although the EULA doesn't mention motherboard, some guy
in India may have his own ideas which will force one to buy another
XP for the same, albeit upgraded, computer.

Alias

Personally, it wouldn't mention what hardware was changed at all. All
I'd say is that I upgrade some components of MY COMPUTER.

"The only information required to activate is an installation ID (and,
for Office XP and Office XP family products such as Visio 2002, the name
of the country in which the product is being installed)." -
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx

And if asked for more info than that, I'd ask to speak to a supervisor,
and report the PA phone rep for asking for more information than is
REQUIRED to activate, and use the PA FAQ to prove it.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Alias]

Personally, it wouldn't mention what hardware was changed at all. All I'd
say is that I upgrade some components of MY COMPUTER.

"The only information required to activate is an installation ID (and, for
Office XP and Office XP family products such as Visio 2002, the name of
the country in which the product is being installed)." -
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx

And if asked for more info than that, I'd ask to speak to a supervisor,
and report the PA phone rep for asking for more information than is
REQUIRED to activate, and use the PA FAQ to prove it.

Good ideas.

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Three years ago I built my own computer from components purchased on line. At
the same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro figuring I didn't need to
spent the extra money for the full retail version just to get Microsoft
support. Now I want a faster processsor, and in order to have one I have to
upgrade motherboard too. Is Microsoft going to give me trouble when I try to
reactivate Windows XP on this same computer with a new motherboard, processor
and RAM?

How would they know? What would it matter?

According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from
one distinct PC to another PC. However, this most emphatically does not
prohibit one from repairing or upgrading the PC on which an OEM license
is installed.

Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
such distinction. Others have said that one could successfully argue
that it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where
one is instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the
EULA does not specifically define any single component as the computer.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry
to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is
solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine
what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support
agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded
computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM
EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've
built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the
"OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your product."

If it's been more than 120 days since you last activated that specific
Product Key, the new owner will most likely be able to activate via the
Internet without problem. If it's been less, he/she might have to make
a 5 minute phone call.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Tom]

How would they know? What would it matter?

According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from one
distinct PC to another PC. However, this most emphatically does not
prohibit one from repairing or upgrading the PC on which an OEM license is
installed.

Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
such distinction. Others have said that one could successfully argue that
it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where one is
instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the EULA does
not specifically define any single component as the computer.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry to
consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is solely the
responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine what sort of
hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support agreements are
voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be
the original computer, as pertains to the OEM EULA, only when the *OEM*
says it's a different computer. If you've built the system yourself, and
used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the "OEM," and _you_ get to decide
when you'll no longer support your product."

Wow!

I can agree to this! Why is it that you make different statements rewarding
the same thing; meaning another agreement. This is where I can actually say
you have a point, and MS screws themselves trying to enforce an agreement
that has nothing to do with the terms they write.

As you stated in another post:

We all know full well that the OEM EULA doesn't specifically bind the OEM
license to any particular hardware component. You're beating a dead
horse, and the subject is completely irrelevant to the OP's question.

Regardless of what the EULA does or does not say, that simple fact remains
that some OEM CDs, particularly Restore/Recovery CDs, are locked to a
specific BIOS by the computer's manufacturer (*not* by Microsoft), and may
well not install on new hardware. Hence my warning to the OP to
investigate this issue *before* starting.

Then why defend MS on their unsubstantiated EULA regarding OEMs?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Tom wrote:

I can agree to this! Why is it that you make different statements rewarding
the same thing; meaning another agreement. This is where I can actually say
you have a point, and MS screws themselves trying to enforce an agreement
that has nothing to do with the terms they write.

I've never said anything other than this regarding upgrading a computer
with an OEM license. I have pointed out that some OEM installations -
primarily those using a BIOS-locking mechanism - cannot be transferred
to a new motherboard, but that's a technical issue, not a licensing issue.

Then why defend MS on their unsubstantiated EULA regarding OEMs?

The EULA is not "unsubstantiated, and my position that computers with
OEM licenses can be upgraded is not contrary to the OEM EULA.

(The link you provided led no where, so I can't see where you're
getting your misconception from.)

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[kurttrail]

Tom wrote:




I've never said anything other than this regarding upgrading a
computer with an OEM license. I have pointed out that some OEM
installations - primarily those using a BIOS-locking mechanism -
cannot be transferred to a new motherboard, but that's a technical
issue, not a licensing
issue.


The EULA is not "unsubstantiated, and my position that computers with
OEM licenses can be upgraded is not contrary to the OEM EULA.

Show where it has entirely been specifically substantiated in a court of
law. While generally shrink-wrap licenses are legally enforceable,
doesn't mean that every term in every shrink-wrap license is legally
enforceable.

(The link you provided led no where, so I can't see where you're
getting your misconception from.)

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Show where it has entirely been specifically substantiated in a court of
law.

I've no need to do so. Until a court finds a EULA's terms invalid,
that EULA is presumed to be valid, as you well know.


While generally shrink-wrap licenses are legally enforceable,

doesn't mean that every term in every shrink-wrap license is legally
enforceable.

Name a court that's specifically found any part of Microsoft's EULAs
invalid. We all know you can't, but we all know that you won't let that
stop you from denying the truth, now will it?

And you may now have the last word, as you so desperately need.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Alias]

Name a court that's specifically found any part of Microsoft's EULAs
invalid.

Here are a bunch of them:

http://www.bufetalmeida.com/sentencias/sentencias.html

Alias

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Here are a bunch of them:

http://www.bufetalmeida.com/sentencias/sentencias.html

Alias

Assuming that that link is valid .... Let's qualify that, shall we?
;-} Name one *relevant* court.... Find one from an English speaking
country, so we can know if the decisions you cite even apply.

Anyway, I really don't care what the socialist, anti-business courts of
the EU think. Their decisions will only apply in Europe, and that's not
a significant market, anymore.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[kurttrail]

I've no need to do so. Until a court finds a EULA's terms invalid,
that EULA is presumed to be valid, as you well know.

LOL! Not true. Please show the law that presumes that. In cases where
there is a dispute, it is up to the agreived party to take it to court.
In the case of MS OEM EULA, all I have to due is break the terms I find
objectionable, it is then up to MS to sue me or not. If not, then the
presumption is that MS doesn't feel it could get a court to enforce that
term.

While generally shrink-wrap licenses are legally enforceable,


Name a court that's specifically found any part of Microsoft's EULAs
invalid. We all know you can't, but we all know that you won't let
that stop you from denying the truth, now will it?

I asked you first. Don't try to turn things around on me. If you can't
back up your bullsh*t that is your problem, not mind.

And you may now have the last word, as you so desperately need.

LOL! Stealing Juppy's line now, are we?!

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[kurttrail]

Assuming that that link is valid .... Let's qualify that, shall we?
;-} Name one *relevant* court.... Find one from an English speaking
country, so we can know if the decisions you cite even apply.

LOL! So Spanish courts aren't relevant in Spain, because they aren't
English-speaking?

Anyway, I really don't care what the socialist, anti-business courts
of the EU think. Their decisions will only apply in Europe, and
that's not a significant market, anymore.

What? The EU market is rivaling America's in many respects.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Bruce Chambers]

LOL! Stealing Juppy's line now, are we?!

Yup! It's too good - and far too accurate - not to use.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[kurttrail]

Yup! It's too good - and far too accurate - not to use.

"And you may now have the last word, as you so desperately need." -
Brucey

You just demonstrated that you are a liar. Thank You.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"