License Question

[David Alge]

Last year, I bought an E-Machines computer with XP Home installed. A
couple months ago, several components went out (power supply,
motherboard, CPU) so I decided to build a new computer with the
remaining components and buy a new case, motherboard, and CPU. My
question is this: can I use the license that came with my E-Machines to
install on the new computer I am building?

Thanks!

David Alge

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Technically, no. The license is bound to the machine it was purchased with, for OEM versions. Besides, most OEM versions are locked to the BIOS they originally shipped with and will not install on other systems.

 

[Plato]

Last year, I bought an E-Machines computer with XP Home installed. A
couple months ago, several components went out (power supply,
motherboard, CPU) so I decided to build a new computer with the
remaining components and buy a new case, motherboard, and CPU. My
question is this: can I use the license that came with my E-Machines to
install on the new computer I am building?

It depends, but chances are in your case no, because I'm guessing that
you dont have a real MS Retail CD. You most likely have a cd that's
married to your dead motherboard.

 

[hermes]

Last year, I bought an E-Machines computer with XP Home installed. A
couple months ago, several components went out (power supply,
motherboard, CPU) so I decided to build a new computer with the
remaining components and buy a new case, motherboard, and CPU. My
question is this: can I use the license that came with my E-Machines
to install on the new computer I am building?

Thanks!

David Alge

Yes you can, but M$ doesn't like it. You will need to do a repair
install most likely (see the below link).
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

You should also read the EULA(s) from M$ and the OEM manufacturer to
identify which parts you may find unconscionable. Then see the below
websites for more fair use info. It will save you alot of money.
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/
http://microscum.com/mmpafaq/
http://www.windows-sucks.com

--
hermes
DRM sux! Treacherous Computing kills our virtual civil liberties!
http://protectfreedom.tripod.com/index.html
http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~rja14/tcpa-faq.html
http://anti-dmca.org/
http://www.eff.org/IP/DMCA/unintended_consequences.php

Windows XP crashed.
I am the Blue Screen of Death.
No one hears your screams

 

[Alex Nichol]

Last year, I bought an E-Machines computer with XP Home installed. A
couple months ago, several components went out (power supply,
motherboard, CPU) so I decided to build a new computer with the
remaining components and buy a new case, motherboard, and CPU. My
question is this: can I use the license that came with my E-Machines to
install on the new computer I am building?

Your license will have been an OEM one, valid for the machine where
first installed only and not transferable to another. While there is a
grey area on when replacing components turns it into a New machine, it
would seem probable that the extent you are thinking of would be so
regarded. You can try and see - but be prepared to be unable to
activate it and to be told you must buy a new copy

 

[Alex Nichol]

Technically, no. The license is bound to the machine it was purchased with, for OEM versions. Besides, most OEM versions are locked to the BIOS they originally shipped with and will not install on other systems.

It may have some separate reason for not installing on different
hardware, but that is not how the BIOS locking for activation works.
The position is that if installed on a different motherboard so the BIOS
lock fails, it enters normal activation and you can use the activation
wizard. I do not know for certain whether the net activation will then
fail - but it is likely to be set so that it forces a phone
conversation, and the reaction there would fall in the grey area as to
whether this is a new machine or not. I think it probably would be seen
as new and activation refused, but the only way to find out for sure is
to try.

 

[Greg R]

My thought on this.
It seems to me it the same machine.
He is just replacing the motherboard, case, cpu.
However, he won't be able to use the restore cd on the emachine.

I would recommend getting an xp oem home or pro. Installing it.
Just make sure it comes with hardware (Technically I don’t think you
need the hardware-since you rebuilding the computer)and has a coa.

However, One 2 disk of the emachine restore disk-You can find your
some drivers if needed. Since, you have a different montherboard you
may not need them-except maybe for the modem.

Greg Rozelle

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No. The license is only valid when installed on the original
eMachine computer. It is no longer valid when you make
drastic hardware changes, such as changing the motherboard
to a different make or model.

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

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

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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| Last year, I bought an E-Machines computer with XP Home installed. A
| couple months ago, several components went out (power supply,
| motherboard, CPU) so I decided to build a new computer with the
| remaining components and buy a new case, motherboard, and CPU. My
| question is this: can I use the license that came with my E-Machines to
| install on the new computer I am building?
|
| Thanks!
|
| David Alge

 

[Greg R]

No. The license is only valid when installed on the original
eMachine computer. It is no longer valid when you make
drastic hardware changes, such as changing the motherboard
to a different make or model.

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

I disagree. See my other post.

Greg R

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

I have seen some versions that would refuse to install on other vendor's system's, Alex. And one in particular that would only install on the same hardware. Even another PC by the same vendor, wouldn't work.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have seen some versions that would refuse to install on other vendor's system's, Alex. And one in particular that would only install on the same hardware. Even another PC by the same vendor, wouldn't work.

Yes - but that is customisation of the system to the hardware by the
vendor - not a general licensing matter.