OEM Reactivation on a new system - Upgrade or full retail?

[Bill Mathews]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system
in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see
as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

So, 3 questions:
1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,
or a full version?
2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo
upgrade?
3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and software
that's not Vista-compatible.

Thanks for the help.

 

[PD43]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system
in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see
as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

So, 3 questions:
1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,
or a full version?

Upgrade is fine as long as you have a CD with a qualifying product on
it - do you have one? You will have to insert it during the
installation process.

2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo
upgrade?
After.

3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

Kinda sorta. Stock that isn't sold by that time can still be sold,
but no new stock can be purchased.

 

[Daave]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original
system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what
Windows would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

Not necessarily.

Even if Windows "sees" a new system, it doesn't mean you *have* a new
system. Arguably, you will have upgraded (albeit a significant upgrade!)
your current system. So, if automatic Internet activation doesn't occur,
you can always use phone activation, which I believe is automated. In
case you get a live person, don't volunteer more information than you
need to; the person on the other end of the line may erroneously assume
that a new motherboard does equal a new system.

Do you currently have a generic OEM installation CD of XP Pro? Along
with your Product ID, that's all you need.

 

[Alias]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system
in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see
as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

So, 3 questions:
1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,
or a full version?
2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo
upgrade?
3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and software
that's not Vista-compatible.

Thanks for the help.

Being as your copy of XP came preinstalled and is tied to the old
motherboard, you will need to buy a new copy. If you have a copy of 98
or Me around, get XP update. If not, get a generic OEM copy of XP and do
a clean install. You can get both at a good price from www.newegg.com.
If you ever need to upgrade your motherboard -- or anything for that
matter -- the generic OEM copy of XP will work just fine.

Alias

 

[Daave]

Being as your copy of XP came preinstalled and is tied to the old
motherboard, you will need to buy a new copy.

I'm not sure that's correct. Assuming that OP has a system from a major
"Royalty OEM" retailer, it's the *"golden master" product key* that is
tied to the motherboard. There should be a COA sticker attached to the
PC's case that has *another* product key, and that is the key that would
be used in conjunction with a generic OEM installation disk.

If the OP has the type of PC mentioned above, he just needs to *obtain*
the generic OEM CD. Or perhaps his PC was custom-built and he already
has such a CD.

 

[JS]

Because XP will no longer be available shortly your best be is to get the
Retail Upgrade.
(All long as you have a Windows 98 or ME CD, the Upgrade version is all you
need)

OEM versions are tied to the motherboard, so if your new motherboard should
go bad
a few months down the road, you need to buy another OEM CD (if they are
still available)
Where as the retail copy can live on and on and on (from one motherboard to
the next).

JS

 

[Alias]

Because XP will no longer be available shortly your best be is to get the
Retail Upgrade.
(All long as you have a Windows 98 or ME CD, the Upgrade version is all you
need)

OEM versions are tied to the motherboard,

Generic OEM versions are NOT tied to the motherboard or anything else
for that matter. I have a copy of a generic OEM XP Pro on a machine that
has had three motherboards. It activated on line each and every time.

Alias
so if your new motherboard should

 

[Tim Slattery]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system
in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see
as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

OEM versions are supported by the OEM. In this case, it would be up to
the OEM to determine whether a new motherboard invalidates your
license. Most OEMs do invalidate the license, unless you buy the new
motherboard from them.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

Afraid so.

So, 3 questions:
1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The upgrade,
or a full version?

Full retail or another (generic) OEM version. Upgrade won't do it. And
you'll want to make sure you have all the relevant drivers.

2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo
upgrade?

After, definitely.

 

[Keith W]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original
system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows
would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

So, 3 questions:
1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The
upgrade, or a full version?
2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo
upgrade?
3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and
software that's not Vista-compatible.

Don't even think about buying a new copy until you have tried installing and
activating the original. Ten to one it will behave perfectly (I speak
from experience).

 

[Lil' Dave]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original
system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows
would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

So, 3 questions:
1. Which retail version of Windows XP Pro would I need to buy? The
upgrade, or a full version?
2. Should I install the new copy of Windows before or after I do the mobo
upgrade?
3. Is June 30th still the cutoff date for buying Window XP?

BTW, I'm not interested in moving to Vista - too much hardware and
software that's not Vista-compatible.

Thanks for the help.

The answers to all your questions are determined if you have a PC mfrs OEM,
or, a generic OEM CD. If the actual XP installation program resides on a
hidden partition, same as a PC mfrs OEM with even worse stuck as you are.

A PC mfrs OEM XP nstallation already has specific drivers for specific
hardware including the motherboard. There is no allowance for a repair
installation. A generic OEM XP installation does not in particular provide
exact drivers for a specific new motherboard, and is always a clean install
for best performance return. The specific motherboard drivers should be
installed immediately after such an installation. This installation will
have to be activated. A repair install is allowed with a generic OEM XP
install CD, you may or may not have to reactivate. The mobo drivers should
be installed as well in this case.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system
in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see
as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

Only if you have a BIOS-locked, branded OEM Installation or Recovery
CD. IF you have a generic, unbranded OEM installation CD, it can
readily be installed onto a new motherboard.

Some people mistakenly believe that the motherboard is the key
component that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA itself
does not make any such distinction. Others have said (tongue in cheek)
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. Licensed Microsoft Systems
Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM licenses with computers they
build and sell, are _contractually_ obligated to "define" the computer
as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition can't be applied to
the end user until the EULA is re-written.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ to *publicly*
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.



--

Bruce Chambers

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http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

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~ Denis Diderot

 

[Plato]

I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.

I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system
performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.

As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system
in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see
as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.

So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.

NO. If a problem, just call MS for a new serial. You only need to buy XP
ONCE.....

 

[Twayne]

NO. If a problem, just call MS for a new serial. You only need to buy
XP ONCE.....

Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the
hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same
mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip
set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

 

[Alias]

Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the
hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same
mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip
set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

There are two kinds of OEM copies of XP, generic and branded. The
branded ones put out by the likes of HP and Dell are tied to the
original motherboard. Generic copies of XP are tied to the "original"
computer which can be updated to your heart's desire, including the
motherboard, processor, NIC, whatever, and there is NO REASON to buy a
new license if you update the hardware on your computer, even if the
only original part left is one screw.

Alias

 

[Daave]

Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the
hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same
mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new
chip set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

I read the EULA closely. I couldn't find any stipulation that a
motherboard cannot be upgraded. Bruce's post pretty much covers all the
relevant points. The OEM license is tied to the *computer*, and it is
the PC builder, not Microsoft, who determines what constitutes a new PC
(well, pre-Vista, at any rate).

 

[Plato]

Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the
hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same
mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip
set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

Once again, one only has to buy Windows once. What part of that did you
NOT understand?

 

[Plato]

Incorrect, I'm afraid. That's the nature or OEM; it's tied to the
hardware it was sold with. Read the EULA closely. If it's the same
mobo, OK, but that doesn't sound like the same one; sounds like new chip
set, etc. etc.. Easy enough to find out; call & ask.

Incorrect. One only has to buy Windows once.