XP 64 was the OS on a computer. The mobo & cpu must be replaced and the same
hardware isn't available. Can the "orignal" OS be used or do they demand
that a new disk is purchased?
I would say that you can use the same license, unless the installation
CD was BIOS-locked to the original motherboard.
According to its End User License Agreement (EULA), an OEM license
may not be transferred from one distinct PC to another PC. Nothing is
said about prohibiting one from repairing or upgrading the PC on which
an OEM license is installed.
Some people mistakenly believe that the motherboard is the key
component that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA 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
Help us help you:
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
