Want to upgrade my mobo, ram and graphic's card, OEM XP Pro, issues ??

[A_Newsreader]

Hi there,

I'm VERY new to XP having clung to Windows 2000 for long enough !

Installed XP Pro onto my machine (wiped off W2k), liked what I saw and
activated the software via the internet.

I still have the XP Pro disk, CD Key etc - this copy is legal (bought
off Ebay).

Now however I've noticed that a Mobo that I'd been eyeing up for the
last year has become VERY cheap on Ebay and it's something really
worth doing.

It'd mean upgrading my Ram, with the ultimate aim of upgrading my
Graphics Card.

I intend using the 2 Xeon processors I have as well as keeping all the
hard disks, sound cards etc.

Please can someone tell me, as I have an OEM version of this OS, will
Microsoft not allow me to do a reinstall of this same OS Disk and CD
Key ?? Will I have to buy another copy of this OS if I am proposing
to do the above ??

Please, can someone put me in the picture ??

Many thanks,

 

[Bob I]

Here is Microsoft's view of the matter relating to OEM.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/e/3/4e3eace0-4c6d-4123-9d0c-c80436181742/OSLicQA.doc

 

[smlunatick]

Hi there,

I'm VERY new to XP having clung to Windows 2000 for long enough !

Installed XP Pro onto my machine (wiped off W2k), liked what I saw and
activated the software via the internet.

I still have the XP Pro disk, CD Key etc - this copy is legal (bought
off Ebay).

Now however I've noticed that a Mobo that I'd been eyeing up for the
last year has become VERY cheap on Ebay and it's something really
worth doing.

It'd mean upgrading my Ram, with the ultimate aim of upgrading my
Graphics Card.

I intend using the 2 Xeon processors I have as well as keeping all the
hard disks, sound cards etc.

Please can someone tell me, as I have an OEM version of this OS, will
Microsoft not allow me to do a reinstall of this same OS Disk and CD
Key ?? Will I have to buy another copy of this OS if I am proposing
to do the above ??

Please, can someone put me in the picture ??

Many thanks,

Depending on the type of OEM, if the version is "BIOS" locked, then no
matter what you try, it will not work or maybe not even install.

As stated before, MS official stance is NO, you can not re-install an
OEM version on a different PC (motherboard change will be classed as
different PC.)

However, people have tricked the product activation before.

 

[peter]

This has been discussed so many times....I wont go into the legalities I 'll
just point out the possibilities..
If you have had that OEM XP on your system for 120 days without a
reactivation,after deleting it from the original system It is possible to
install on the new system and it will activate over the net..........I did
it 3 months ago when I was in your shoes.
peter

 

[A_Newsreader]

Here is Microsoft's view of the matter relating to OEM.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/e/3/4e3eace0-4c6d-4123-9d0c-...

Hi there and thanks.

Okay, I've now read that document......

But.......

if I were to go ahead and upgrade the Mobo anyway, will I have
problems later on with my copy of XP Pro OEM and activating it via the
web ??

Can Microsoft tell via the activation process that this computer has
had a new mobo ??

I intend to sell the older mobo and ram on ebay

 

[A_Newsreader]

Depending on the type of OEM, if the version is "BIOS" locked, then no
matter what you try, it will not work or maybe not even install.

As stated before, MS official stance is NO, you can not re-install an
OEM version on a different PC (motherboard change will be classed as
different PC.)

However, people have tricked the product activation before.

Hi there and thanks.

Not sure what you mean exactly re BIOS locked ??

The disk is what I'd call a Generic OEM, it doesn't have DELL, Compaq,
HP etc on it if that's any help.

 

[Bob I]

Hi there and thanks.

Okay, I've now read that document......

But.......

if I were to go ahead and upgrade the Mobo anyway, will I have
problems later on with my copy of XP Pro OEM and activating it via the
web ??

Can Microsoft tell via the activation process that this computer has
had a new mobo ??

I intend to sell the older mobo and ram on ebay

Technically the OEM would go with the motherboard. Why not sell it that
way and buy a Retail copy of XP and then you wouldn't have to skirt the
issue?

 

[smlunatick]

Hi there and thanks.

Not sure what you mean exactly re BIOS locked ??

The disk is what I'd call a Generic OEM, it doesn't have DELL, Compaq,
HP etc on it if that's any help.

BIOS locked OEM versions are versions that read the motherboard's BIOS
and checks special OEM files so as to see if the motherboard is
'authorized" to run the version of XP. These versions do not seem to
require the product activation routine since the PC's manufacturer has
already permanately activated it. Usually found on large "name-brand"
PCs.

 

[DL]

The legal niceties are that a mobo upgrade constitutes a new PC requiring a
new Winxp cd, if your is an OEM cd
However if the mobo fails a replacement doesnt constitute a new PC - this
may have changed in OEM Vista

 

[A_Newsreader]

Seems like to me, that from what I've read, if 120 days have elapsed
from activating my copy of XP, then I should be able to change my
Supermicro motherboard and install my already installed WIndows XP Pro
OEM onto my replacement Tyan motherboard, and I will be asked by the
software to activate it. From what I have read, on here and
elsewhere, this shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding selling my oem xp pro with the mobo, could do, but I'd
rather give the new owner the choice of what os he/she wants to
install.

Why did I buy OEM ?? I made a mistake. I thought I was buying a
retail version. The Seller didn't open up to the fact that it was OEM
until I received it in the post and with the high non-refundable
postage price there wasn't much point returning it back.

 

[Lil' Dave]

Hi there,

I'm VERY new to XP having clung to Windows 2000 for long enough !

Installed XP Pro onto my machine (wiped off W2k), liked what I saw and
activated the software via the internet.

I still have the XP Pro disk, CD Key etc - this copy is legal (bought
off Ebay).

Now however I've noticed that a Mobo that I'd been eyeing up for the
last year has become VERY cheap on Ebay and it's something really
worth doing.

It'd mean upgrading my Ram, with the ultimate aim of upgrading my
Graphics Card.

I intend using the 2 Xeon processors I have as well as keeping all the
hard disks, sound cards etc.

Please can someone tell me, as I have an OEM version of this OS, will
Microsoft not allow me to do a reinstall of this same OS Disk and CD
Key ?? Will I have to buy another copy of this OS if I am proposing
to do the above ??

Please, can someone put me in the picture ??

Many thanks,

You replied to another respondent that you have a generic version OEM
installation disc and product key. This version will not do an upgrade,
but, will do a repair install if you want to go that route. Clean install
is advisable by my own experiences. Others, of course, disagree.

Have done what you're doing a couple of times with same generic version and
clean install. No trickery involved as implied by another respondent.
Recommend, however, you make a slipstreamed version of the installation disc
to incorporate SP2. Will save you some time later.

Download the motherboard drivers from the maker's website to removable media
for installation after installing XP w/SP2. The media has to be accessible
without aid of motherboard drivers as they are not installed at that time.
Dave

 

[Guest]

Don't forget that changing out your motherboard will require you to do a
repair install of Windows XP. This is necessary to set up the new hardware
correctly.

GS

 

[Bob I]

Seems like to me, that from what I've read, if 120 days have elapsed
from activating my copy of XP, then I should be able to change my
Supermicro motherboard and install my already installed WIndows XP Pro
OEM onto my replacement Tyan motherboard, and I will be asked by the
software to activate it. From what I have read, on here and
elsewhere, this shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding selling my oem xp pro with the mobo, could do, but I'd
rather give the new owner the choice of what os he/she wants to
install.

Why did I buy OEM ?? I made a mistake. I thought I was buying a
retail version. The Seller didn't open up to the fact that it was OEM
until I received it in the post and with the high non-refundable
postage price there wasn't much point returning it back.

Ah! The cheats and crooks, really too bad they can't be removed from
humanity. Make life better for everyone.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi there,

I'm VERY new to XP having clung to Windows 2000 for long enough !

Installed XP Pro onto my machine (wiped off W2k), liked what I saw and
activated the software via the internet.

I still have the XP Pro disk, CD Key etc - this copy is legal (bought
off Ebay).

If you managed to actually get a legitimate software license from eBay,
you're one of the lucky ones.

Getting a legitimate license of any kind from eBay is something of
a crap shoot. One should be very careful buying any software on eBay,
as eBay makes no prior effort to ensure that such sales are legitimate.
The problems stem from two different sources, but have the same
results: the buyer gets ripped off. A great many people don't fully
understand the terms of the license they own, and don't understand that
they cannot legitimately resell it, and - worse still - there are a
great many sellers who do know that they're selling bogus licenses. eBay
reacts only when someone files a complaint, and then all that really
happens, especially in the case of the many deliberate fraudsters, is
the seller of the pirated software returns using a different alias, to
continue selling illegitimate licenses.

Now however I've noticed that a Mobo that I'd been eyeing up for the
last year has become VERY cheap on Ebay and it's something really
worth doing.

It'd mean upgrading my Ram, with the ultimate aim of upgrading my
Graphics Card.

I intend using the 2 Xeon processors I have as well as keeping all the
hard disks, sound cards etc.

Please can someone tell me, as I have an OEM version of this OS, will
Microsoft not allow me to do a reinstall of this same OS Disk and CD
Key ?? Will I have to buy another copy of this OS if I am proposing
to do the above ??

If you truly have a legitimate generic, unbranded OEm license and CD,
you'll probably have no problem.

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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Technically the OEM would go with the motherboard.

Not so. Only Licensed Systems Builders are contractually obliged to
define the motherboard as the computer. The OEM EULA does *not* bind
the license to any single component, but to the computer as a whole.

Why not sell it that
way and buy a Retail copy of XP and then you wouldn't have to skirt the
issue?

Why should the OP waste money when there's no issue, much less one "to
skirt?"


--

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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

The legal niceties are that a mobo upgrade constitutes a new PC requiring a
new Winxp cd, if your is an OEM cd

No, No, No! Untrue!

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.

As you well know, 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.

However if the mobo fails a replacement doesnt constitute a new PC

Correct.


- this
may have changed in OEM Vista

It hasn't.

--

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

 

[Allan]

Hi there,

I'm VERY new to XP having clung to Windows 2000 for long enough !

Installed XP Pro onto my machine (wiped off W2k), liked what I saw and
activated the software via the internet.

I still have the XP Pro disk, CD Key etc - this copy is legal (bought
off Ebay).

Now however I've noticed that a Mobo that I'd been eyeing up for the
last year has become VERY cheap on Ebay and it's something really
worth doing.

It'd mean upgrading my Ram, with the ultimate aim of upgrading my
Graphics Card.

I intend using the 2 Xeon processors I have as well as keeping all the
hard disks, sound cards etc.

Please can someone tell me, as I have an OEM version of this OS, will
Microsoft not allow me to do a reinstall of this same OS Disk and CD
Key ?? Will I have to buy another copy of this OS if I am proposing
to do the above ??

Please, can someone put me in the picture ??

Many thanks,

After reading the other posts here I agree the most with Mr. Chambers. You
purchased an OS for your computer and want to upgrade the MOBO now. I
consider that this falls well within the concept of "fair use" of
intellectual property which has been upheld by the Supreme Court. In my view
you should not have to purchase a new license. Go ahead and order a new MOBO
and memory upgrade and just reinstall using your CD key. I doubt that MS
will want to argue with you since after all you are the end user not a
reseller or dealer of computer systems. However, in case the OEM version
will not install on your new MOBO then either let it go with your old MOBO
as someone suggested or keep it in your used equipment horde. As someone
said I would be wary of buying MS Windows on eBay (don't do it again).

 

[A_Newsreader]

After reading the other posts here I agree the most with Mr. Chambers. You
purchased an OS for your computer and want to upgrade the MOBO now. I
consider that this falls well within the concept of "fair use" of
intellectual property which has been upheld by the Supreme Court. In my view
you should not have to purchase a new license. Go ahead and order a new MOBO
and memory upgrade and just reinstall using your CD key. I doubt that MS
will want to argue with you since after all you are the end user not a
reseller or dealer of computer systems. However, in case the OEM version
will not install on your new MOBO then either let it go with your old MOBO
as someone suggested or keep it in your used equipment horde. As someone
said I would be wary of buying MS Windows on eBay (don't do it again).

Thanks for all the advice.

But can I ask, what is the problem with buying Windows off Ebay ??

I'm in the UK, I bought from someone in the UK, went it arrived, it
looked 100% like an original (cd, packaging, holography etc).

It installed no problem, and it got authenticated via the internet no
problem.

Not sure what the problem is ?? Sure, one could get ripped off,
buying a version that is a fake but apart from that risk, isn't "don't
do it again" a bit excessive ?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Thanks for all the advice.

But can I ask, what is the problem with buying Windows off Ebay ??

You have NO GUARANTEES that said CD is legitimate - worse yet - that the
Product key you get witrh it is legitimate.

I'm in the UK, I bought from someone in the UK, went it arrived, it
looked 100% like an original (cd, packaging, holography etc).

Yeah - I guess that cannot be imitated. I'm sure there is no one out there
that produces counterfeit anything and sells them for easy money. ;-)

It installed no problem, and it got authenticated via the internet
no problem.

I've seen well trained people walk across tightropes as entertainment for
years on end without incident. I've also seen those same people fall of
without reason one day.

Not sure what the problem is ?? Sure, one could get ripped off,
buying a version that is a fake but apart from that risk, isn't
"don't do it again" a bit excessive ?

It's called advice. You get to read it, evaluate it and decide what *you*
do with it.

If you feel you will be lucky every time - go for it. In general, however,
if no one did it ever again - then no one would (as you say) "get ripped
off" and likely those that sell illegitimate copies would have to stop
(after all - they aren't making any money if no one is buying) and
everything gets a little better. If people keep buying, there will continue
to be fakes and things will either stay the same or become worse. The
latter is more likely, because there is always someone looking for 'the
better deal' and just as many people who get 'ripped off' and do nothing
about it.

 

[Allan]

Thanks for all the advice.

But can I ask, what is the problem with buying Windows off Ebay ??

I'm in the UK, I bought from someone in the UK, went it arrived, it
looked 100% like an original (cd, packaging, holography etc).

It installed no problem, and it got authenticated via the internet no
problem.

Not sure what the problem is ?? Sure, one could get ripped off,
buying a version that is a fake but apart from that risk, isn't "don't
do it again" a bit excessive ?

I would not spend my own money on Windows software offered on eBay is what I
mean. I guess that as long as you are aware of the risk of wasting your
money completely on such products you are welcome to continue buying on
eBay.