Ken,
There is a "technical issue" if this OEM is BIOS-locked by the system
mfr (assuming it is a major brand), in which case Eric would not be
able to physically install the OEM OS on that new mobo (unless by
same mfr and perhaps model, not likely).
Yes, that's certainly so. I was assuming, perhaps incorrectly,
that we weren't talking about that kind of OEM version.
Legally, I'm with you on this issue . . . if the case is re-used and
mobo and HDD are replaced I have always contended that this is a
legit upgrade and the OEM (assuming a generic MS created OEM, not a
major brand customized OS) could be re-used. IANAL and thus, this
isn't legal advice!
I've said before that, since Microsoft's requirement is to put
the sticker on the *case*, one could perhaps legally defend the
position that as long as you keep the case, with the sticker on
it, you could replace everything else and still consider it the
same computer.
That's just my guess, though. I'm certainly not a lawyer.