Another Activation Question

[Guest]

3 years age I built my own computer from components ordered on line. At the
same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro thinking that I did not need
to spent the extra money to buy a full retail version just to get Microsoft
support. Now I want to have a faster processor and in order to use one I have
to upgrade my motherboard. Is microsoft going to give me trouble when I try
to reactivate Windows on this same machine with a new motherboard, processor
and RAM?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

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]

Windows Product Activation (WPA) on Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

[Courtesy of the late MS-MVP Alex Nichol]

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

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

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:

| 3 years age I built my own computer from components ordered on line. At the
| same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro thinking that I did not need
| to spent the extra money to buy a full retail version just to get Microsoft
| support. Now I want to have a faster processor and in order to use one I have
| to upgrade my motherboard. Is microsoft going to give me trouble when I try
| to reactivate Windows on this same machine with a new motherboard, processor
| and RAM?

 

[Plato]

to upgrade my motherboard. Is microsoft going to give me trouble when I try
to reactivate Windows on this same machine with a new motherboard, processor
and RAM?

no, tho you may have to make a phone call.

 

[NotMe]

No, but you'll probably have to call them for the number.
I always buy OEM Windows versions, with the computer case as the qualifying
hardware.
That way I can change the guts to my hearts content and still be 'legal'.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I always buy OEM Windows versions, with the computer case as
the
qualifying hardware.
That way I can change the guts to my hearts content and still
be
'legal'.

No, the OEM license does not tie the software to the hardware you
bought it with, it ties it to the first computer it's installed
on.

Exactly what constitutes that computer and what you can change
without violating the license is a somewhat gray area, but
Microsoft seems to interpret it as the motherboard.

 

[Alias]

In


No, the OEM license does not tie the software to the hardware you bought
it with, it ties it to the first computer it's installed on.

Exactly what constitutes that computer and what you can change without
violating the license is a somewhat gray area, but Microsoft seems to
interpret it as the motherboard.

Not according to the EULAs I agreed to. Says "hardare" and "computer" only.

Alias

 

[Ron Martell]

3 years age I built my own computer from components ordered on line. At the
same time I bought a full OEM version of XP Pro thinking that I did not need
to spent the extra money to buy a full retail version just to get Microsoft
support. Now I want to have a faster processor and in order to use one I have
to upgrade my motherboard. Is microsoft going to give me trouble when I try
to reactivate Windows on this same machine with a new motherboard, processor
and RAM?

If it is a generic OEM version of Windows, with the Microsoft name on
the CD rather than the name of a computer manufacturer, then you
should have no problems reactivating it via the Internet.

On the other hand if you had a major brand OEM version of Windows XP
that was also BIOS Locked then you would have a problem with
activation on a new motherboard because of a recent change by
Microsoft.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm