oem?

[Alias]

Actually, there is no need to "guess"
Microsoft clarified this when XP SP2 was released:
They consider an "optional motherboard replacement" (note the word
"Optional") to be a "new computer".
Pretty simple to me.
I may or may not like it, but it's pretty easy to understand.

Now, if they were to say that I cannot replace a FAULTY motherboard
unless purchasing a new license, then I might get a little miffed.

This is why the activation representatives NEED to ask the above
questions: So they can discriminate between "optional motherboard
replacements" and "necessary" motherboard replacements.

Sorry, but upgrading a motherboard is permitted and you can't prove
otherwise.

I can, however, disprove your fantasies regarding what information has
to be given at phone activation:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx#details

Where it says:

"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). The only
purpose of the installation ID is to facilitate activation."

Oops.

Alias

 

[Brian W]

Nowhere in my Vista OEM EULA does it say anything about the changing the
motherboard not being allowed under the licence. If it's not specifically
mentioned in the EULA then it is not enforceable.

 

[Dale]

It's enforceable if the guy on the phone halfway across the world won't give
you a code to activate.

Unless you can find an attorney willing to challenge Microsoft on their
definition of the same computer.

Dale

 

[Alias]

It's enforceable if the guy on the phone halfway across the world won't
give you a code to activate.

Unless you can find an attorney willing to challenge Microsoft on their
definition of the same computer.

Dale

No need. According to MS, the terms are outlined here:

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation_faq.mspx#details

Where it says:

"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). The only
purpose of the installation ID is to facilitate activation."

That's why it's a good idea to get the customer rep's ID and ask for the
name of his or her supervisor in case they get uppity about letting you
use the software license you paid for.

Alias