Vista limting transfers? Please say it isn't so..

[Guest]

I just read the article on cnet about plans to limit transfers of Vista to 1
time:

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+limits+Vista+transfers/2100-1016_3-6126379.html?tag=nefd.lede

Please say it isn't so! This will absolutely kill the aftermarket sales of
many hardware devices such as motherboards and hard disks. Partners like
Asus will significantly suffer financially because of this. Also as a
consumer myself, I would probably never try to upgrade my system like I can
now if this limit happens.

What about just forcing the user to call Microsoft everytime the OS is
re-installed and/or transferred? While not convenient, it still addresses
piracy (pirates aren't going to call up to activate/reactivate an OS
instance) while still providing honest consumers with hardware upgrade
capabilities. Please don't do the 1-transfer limit!!!

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http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/co...c4c&dg=microsoft.public.windows.vista.general

 

[Peter M]

I just read the article on cnet about plans to limit transfers of Vista to
1
time:

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+limits+Vista+transfers/2100-1016_3-6126379.html?tag=nefd.lede

Please say it isn't so! This will absolutely kill the aftermarket sales
of
many hardware devices such as motherboards and hard disks. Partners like
Asus will significantly suffer financially because of this. Also as a
consumer myself, I would probably never try to upgrade my system like I
can
now if this limit happens.

Considering how bad Asus boards have been failing lately I'm sure it will.

 

[Paul Smith]

This is definitely something where Microsoft need to come out and say what
is technically being limited and how it is being limited, because frankly
only being able to transfer the license of a retail copy once is ridiculous,
especially considering how much more expensive retail copies are over OEM
ones.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User.
http://www.windowsresource.net/

*Remove nospam. to reply by e-mail*

 

[Guest]

I cannot believe Microsoft! This is outrageous. I have a true copy of
windows xp home edition and paid a lot for it. I was thinking of moving on
to windows vista trying out rc 1 now that I did a clean install. (Works
Great!), but now I do not think I will buy it at all if they only limit me a
one time install.

Sometimes to clean up my windows I format and reinstall my windows and all
my programs, and more. I guess I will not be able to with Vista!! That's not
fair!! As I was thinking of upgrading my hardware (graphics video card
mainly -- needs upgrading), and then purchasing windows vista next spring or
summer. Guess I won't now until Microsoft changes their minds about limiting
their customers freedom to format and reinstall their windows software.

 

[Habs]

Have a look here.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_licensing.asp

 

[John Barnes]

The restriction is not reinstalling on the same machine, or even upgrading
the machine. It is transferring to a new machine (which with OEM meant a
new mobo). The upgrades and reinstalls will still be handled by activation.

 

[Guest]

Well this happened twice this year, first I had to buy another better system,
(refurbished), then just last week I had to buy a new harddrive as mine was
quitting. I also bought a new dvd writer! So would buying a new harddrive,
cpu unit mean fresh install of windows! I know the harddrive meant
reinstalling windows and activating it again. (windows xp) Now I have to
reinstall windows xp again (format) as I giving up on windows vista rc1!

 

[Mickey]

Well this happened twice this year, first I had to buy another better
system,
(refurbished), then just last week I had to buy a new harddrive as mine
was
quitting. I also bought a new dvd writer! So would buying a new
harddrive,
cpu unit mean fresh install of windows! I know the harddrive meant
reinstalling windows and activating it again. (windows xp) Now I have to
reinstall windows xp again (format) as I giving up on windows vista rc1!

You're missing the point;

It doesn't mean you can install it just once and that's it.

If you install it on the same system over and over again you can install it
900 times and never have a problem.

The limitation is transferring to a totally new system, and if what I've
read is correct, it's actually no different than it was with XP, it's a
simple phone call, you confirm it's only installed on one system using that
particular key, type in the new numbers and you're done.

Upgrades may require re-activation, same deal, a phone call usually, and
only if there are x number of components upgraded at once.

Mic

 

[Guest]

Thanks Mikey. I downloaded the vista agreement and read it over myself, in
pdf! I understand now. Yes I can format my computer from time to time.
Also with me upgrading my computer now, it should be all right for it.
Thanks again!

 

[ML]

Just don't upgrade your motherboard (or to a lesser extent, your hard disk)
because MS consider an motherboard upgrade "A NEW MACHINE". So in other
words, upgrading CPU/RAM/HD/network card/sound card, video card are all ok
as long as you don't do them all at once. But a motherboard, MS will
definitely consider that as "A NEW MACHINE".

So you can upgrade your mobo once.

 

[Guest]

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+limits+Vista+transfers/2100-1016_3-6126379.html?tag=nefd.lede
"If they want to move their software a second time, they will have to buy a new >copy of the operating system."

the article news is totally wrong! You don't have to buy another copy of
Vista, but you just have to reactivate it on-line.

 

[Mario Rosario]

I agree that'll cut down on my purchases. That a turn off!

I often rearrange my hardware and reinstall the OS. I tolerated having to
make the activation phone calls; it's Microsoft's business to cut down on
piracy, not mine. But now they are now inconvenience the hobbyist too. I am
a long time supporter of Microsoft. But I cannot afford multiple licences at
$400 a pop.

I purchased 5 Windows XP licenses; 3 oem, 1 acedemic, 1 upgrade.
I purchased 2 Windows 2000 licences.
I purchased at least 2 Windows NT licences.
and Windows 98, 95, 3.1, 3.11, multiple licences of DOS.

Not to mention Microsoft compilers, games, mouse(s), keyboards and other
products bearing the Microsoft label.

 

[Alias~-]

You're missing the point;

It doesn't mean you can install it just once and that's it.

If you install it on the same system over and over again you can install
it 900 times and never have a problem.

The limitation is transferring to a totally new system, and if what I've
read is correct, it's actually no different than it was with XP, it's a
simple phone call, you confirm it's only installed on one system using
that particular key, type in the new numbers and you're done.

Upgrades may require re-activation, same deal, a phone call usually, and
only if there are x number of components upgraded at once.

Mic

And the x number is? Is it on a point system like XP? Will the slate be
erased after 120 days?

Alias

 

[Alias~-]

Just don't upgrade your motherboard (or to a lesser extent, your hard disk)
because MS consider an motherboard upgrade "A NEW MACHINE". So in other
words, upgrading CPU/RAM/HD/network card/sound card, video card are all ok
as long as you don't do them all at once. But a motherboard, MS will
definitely consider that as "A NEW MACHINE".

So you can upgrade your mobo once.

So, if your motherboard becomes defective twice, you need to buy a new
copy of HastaLaVista? The fact that a motherboard does not a new machine
make only reveals that MS is ripping us off again.

Alias

 

[John Barnes]

It is on a point system. It is a new point system that gives more weight to
the hard drive it is installed on. Don't know if it has been decided to
wipe the slate after 120 days, but it is like XP if it doesn't activate over
the internet you can telephone. I haven't had problems either way and I
make alot of significant changes. Try Google and you should find more info.

 

[John Barnes]

A defective motherboard is excluded as a 'new motherboard' . A loophole
for the dishonest, but if asked if it is a replacement for a defective mobo
a yes answer is supposed to not count as a transfer.

 

[Alias~-]

A defective motherboard is excluded as a 'new motherboard' . A loophole
for the dishonest, but if asked if it is a replacement for a defective mobo
a yes answer is supposed to not count as a transfer.

So, it's OK for MS to lie and state that a new motherboard is the same
thing as a new computer but it isn't OK for us to lie and say we are
replacing a defective motherboard to avoid buying Vista again? Double
standard anyone?

Alias

 

[John Barnes]

Your definition. Since the mobo is the heart and soul of a computer, it
seems a reasonable definition to me.

 

[Alias~-]

Your definition. Since the mobo is the heart and soul of a computer, it
seems a reasonable definition to me.

Um, computers don't have hearts or souls (or livers for that matter).
You would be hard pressed to run a computer without a power supply. A
computer is a system that has many components, one of which is the
motherboard. Upgrading these components is, well, upgrading the
computer. This is merely a ploy on the part of MS to get rid of the
hobbyists which Gates and Co. have always hated and considered to be
thieves. They only want ill informed little sheep buying Vista and an
OEM computer like Dell or HP.

I will keep XP as long as it lasts and my next computer will be a MAC or
a Linux. MS has gone too far by telling hobbyists to get f*cked,
especially when you consider how much hobbyists have helped MS in beta
testing.

Alias

 

[John Barnes]

Maybe you could consult a dictionary? Does most vital part ring the bell
for you? Have fun with whatever system you choose. XP will last a long
time, though support will cease at some point. Hell, people are still using
Windows 3.1. Nobody is forcing you and nobody really cares if you don't
want Vista.

heart and soul
n : the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some thing,
idea or experience.