Vista is asking for reactivation!

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After installing and activating Vista Home Premium on my computer, I made
some hefty hardware upgrades , in part to run Vista more smoothly. I bought a
new CPU, motherboard, video card, as well as a cd-rom.
My hard disks didn't change and all of my old settings are still there from
the Vista before, only now Vista's telling my that I haven't activated and I
only have one day left to complete the process. When I put in my old key it
tells me that it's already in use and I need to purchase a new one.
What can I do!? I AM NOT going to buy another one as I already paid 200+
dollars for this one. Is this a glitch in the software or what is going on
here?
I hope someone can help, although I've already contacted Microsoft about
this. So I guess this is kind of a warning to people too.
 
You usually have to reactivate after several hardware changes. Use
telephone activation if you are having problems with the web activation.
Explain the situation. If you installed the OEM version, changing MOBO is a
violation of that agreement, if you have a retail (either full or upgrade)
they will walk you thru the reactivation.
 
Thanks for your reply John. I appreciate your post and will try your
advice. Hopefully it will resolve my problem.

Jon
 
Can you please direct me within the EULA where "changing MOBO is a violation
of that agreement".

Woody
 
For OEM you agree to abide by the System Builders Agreement, where it has
been adequately covered.
As described on one of the vendor sites
This OEM software is intended for system builders only and cannot be
transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this
software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license,
including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the
software.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/default.mspx
 
JonR said:
After installing and activating Vista Home Premium on my computer, I made
some hefty hardware upgrades , in part to run Vista more smoothly. I
bought a
new CPU, motherboard, video card, as well as a cd-rom.
My hard disks didn't change and all of my old settings are still there
from
the Vista before, only now Vista's telling my that I haven't activated and
I
only have one day left to complete the process. When I put in my old key
it
tells me that it's already in use and I need to purchase a new one.
What can I do!? I AM NOT going to buy another one as I already paid 200+
dollars for this one. Is this a glitch in the software or what is going on
here?
I hope someone can help, although I've already contacted Microsoft about
this. So I guess this is kind of a warning to people too.
Click to expand...

oh it gets better.
just a quick browse of this NG will turn up posts from people who have found
that just running Windows Update, or installing an updated driver will cause
you to have to reactivate.
remember, in MS's eyes, you are guilty until -you- prove your innocence.
keep that phone # handy - you're gonna need it, a lot.
 
John said:
For OEM you agree to abide by the System Builders Agreement, where it
has been adequately covered.
As described on one of the vendor sites
This OEM software is intended for system builders only and cannot be
transferred to another PC once it is installed. The purchaser of this
software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder
license, including the responsibility of providing all end user support
for the software.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/default.mspx
Click to expand...
Would you please comment as to the following scenario:
If I were to purchase a shrinkwrapped vista oem package from newegg (for
example), I become the system builder (as per the terms quoted above)
when assembling a machine. I am building the machine for my own use,
using the oem package I have legitimately purchased, so I also become
the end user. I am, as the system builder( as per the terms quoted
above) responsible for support. I am also the end user, subject to the
end user eula. If I decide as a system builder that support warrants a
new motherboard, or any other individual component or combination of
components, where is it stated that I cannot do so under the system
builders agreement? As the end user, the eula does not make any
statement as to this situation. So, who, other that myself, decides what
hat I am wearing in terms of this machine and what can or cannot be done
to it?
 
John,

Nowhere in the EULA or the SB license does it state the OEM software is tied
to the original motherboard. Please tell me where to look in the EULA/SBL
(or provide a quote) .

Woody
 
norm said:
Would you please comment as to the following scenario:
If I were to purchase a shrinkwrapped vista oem package from newegg (for
example), I become the system builder (as per the terms quoted above) when
assembling a machine. I am building the machine for my own use, using the
oem package I have legitimately purchased, so I also become the end user.
I am, as the system builder( as per the terms quoted above) responsible
for support. I am also the end user, subject to the end user eula. If I
decide as a system builder that support warrants a new motherboard, or any
other individual component or combination of components, where is it
stated that I cannot do so under the system builders agreement? As the end
user, the eula does not make any statement as to this situation. So, who,
other that myself, decides what hat I am wearing in terms of this machine
and what can or cannot be done to it?
Click to expand...

You can replace the mainboard or other components with the SAME components.

If you, as a system builder, decide to give yourself (end user) a new
machine in order to keep yourself as a customer then you choose, as a system
builder, to eat the cost of a new license.

I raised hell with Gateway once about a machine that gave me nothing but
trouble. Mix that with poor customer service I finally got a service
manager to replace the machine with a different model (a little better).
The new machine came with a new windows license. The old license is trashed
with the old machine.
 
I doubt that the average home computer builder has knowledge about
the System Builder license or has read detailed analyses of what the
convoluted EULA means in terms of real world practical applications.
I've never heard of Microsoft suing any individuals for replacing the
motherboard in their OEM computer.

Gary VanderMolen
 
Gary VanderMolen said:
I doubt that the average home computer builder has knowledge about
the System Builder license or has read detailed analyses of what the
convoluted EULA means in terms of real world practical applications.
I've never heard of Microsoft suing any individuals for replacing the
motherboard in their OEM computer.
Click to expand...

True, however going back to the OP, you can’t complain about it needing to
re-activated and you have no recourse if MS tell you NO to re-activating
that license. It was never a problem with XP however there seems to be some
cases where Vista customers were told to buy another license. If, of
course, those people can be trusted.
 
There are hundreds of places for you to look, but I am sure nothing
will satisfy you. Here is one attempt at explaining it and there are
plenty of links for you to look at.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm
Click to expand...

We don't want to see one person's almost year-old interpretation of what he
thinks the EULA states for Windows XP.

So where, on any Microsoft official document, or non-MS help webpage or
forum, does it say that the MB is the computer and upgrading it invalidates
the current license.

Does it say that in the EULA....I don't think so ?

So what LEGALLY BINDING document says that ? In order for it to be binding,
all conditions must be explicity stated, and NOT open to interpretation.
 
Justin said:
You can replace the mainboard or other components with the SAME components.
Click to expand...

Are you stating that ANY component has to be replaced with the same
(either/or) make/model component? I hope not. I see nothing in the eula
or the system builders agreement that mentions anything of the sort.
If you, as a system builder, decide to give yourself (end user) a new
machine in order to keep yourself as a customer then you choose, as a
system builder, to eat the cost of a new license.
Click to expand...

I am not giving myself a new machine. I am upgrading. Please cite where
either the system builders agreement or oem license mentions anything
about an upgrade of the mb. If it is not explicitly stated, then the
decision should be mine.
I raised hell with Gateway once about a machine that gave me nothing but
trouble. Mix that with poor customer service I finally got a service
manager to replace the machine with a different model (a little better).
The new machine came with a new windows license. The old license is
trashed with the old machine.
Click to expand...
Different scenario. I am not asking asking about nor discussing an old
machine vs a new machine (two separate boxes). I am asking about an
upgrade to an existing machine. Please don't cloud the issue. Thanks.
 
norm said:
Are you stating that ANY component has to be replaced with the same
(either/or) make/model component? I hope not. I see nothing in the eula
or the system builders agreement that mentions anything of the sort.

I am not giving myself a new machine. I am upgrading. Please cite where
either the system builders agreement or oem license mentions anything
about an upgrade of the mb. If it is not explicitly stated, then the
decision should be mine.
Different scenario. I am not asking asking about nor discussing an old
machine vs a new machine (two separate boxes). I am asking about an
upgrade to an existing machine. Please don't cloud the issue. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I don't see why MS cares. Most people buy an HP, Dell, Gateway, etc.
that doesn't need activation.

Alias
 
Alias said:
I don't see why MS cares. Most people buy an HP, Dell, Gateway, etc.
that doesn't need activation.

Alias
Click to expand...
That is not germane to the question(s) asked. I did not ask why ms cares
or about hp, dell or gateway activations.
 
Woody said:
Can you please direct me within the EULA where "changing MOBO is a
violation of that agreement".
Click to expand...

Hi Woody,

You might want to read the previous forum discussion on this topic at:
http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?s=299c49401fdae94476f1d42224fe00e9&t=690352

Also, I am going to repost one of my previous posts. There seemed to be no
interest at the time, but I would still like an answer:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
I was reviewing the OEM license again and remembered that there is a
'PREINSTALLATION REQUIREMENT' clause, item six, that requires the 'system
builder' to use the OEM Preinstallation Kit ("OPK"). While this makes no
sense whatsoever that I can see for someone installing the OEM version on
their own 'device', it is required per the EULA.

Does this OPK software come with the OEM version or do you have to sign up
for the Microsoft Partner Program at
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/sblicense/OPK/default.mspx in order to download
it?

Have any retail OEM customers out there actually used this OPK? If so, how
does it work? Does it install a EULA on the device that you, the end user,
must accept that is any different from this one at
http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/P...B_License.pdf?

Does anyone besides me really care? :-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
And this is another post that I wanted to make to that original thread, but
didn't when the interest waned:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry for opening up this can of worms again, but one of the worms crawled
out! :-)

The OEM EULA also says in clause 6 that the 'system builder' cannot
distribute the OPK software or instructions to the 'end user'. If I am the
'system builder' and 'end user', I can't distribute the software or
instructions to myself even though I am required to use it?? Huh? [Insert
Scooby Doo sound track here.]

How are we expected to read, understand and follow these EULA's when they
make no sense?

They need two OEM EULA's, one for 'system builders and resellers' and one
for 'end user system builders'.

Microsoft needs to go back to the drawing board on this one. It's a real
mess, even downright embarrassing.

BTW Ken, tell your boss for me that you deserve a promotion. ;-)
--
Alan Norton
Reviews Including ABIT AN8 SLI, ECS P965T-A & Foxconn 975X7AB-8EKRS2H
Motherboards
Guide to Choosing the Right Version Of Vista For You - Vista Confusion
Article
Arizona Pics
No Spam - Just a gratuitous plea for more hardware to test :-)
http://www.mindspring.com/~anorton1/
 
ok by default the motherboard is the one basic part that they consider to be
consistent in order for a PC to be what it is.

You can upgrade the CPU, HD, Video, etc all you want, but the fact remains
that changing the motherboard is changing the PC.

What you are saying is similar to customizing a car with an entirely new
engine and drive-train and saying it's the same car.

Sure the outside looks the same but I can tell you right now, it's not the
same car.
 
The link provided is one interpretation of the EULA at best. Nowhere does
it specifically state that I cannot change the MB. I do not need to look in
hundreds of places. I only need to read the OEM EULA. To tell the OP he
needs to aquire another license is bogus. Again, where are you getting your
info from the EULA?

Thanks,

Woody
 
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