Windows XP licensing

[Grant]

As I understand it, OEM copies of windows xp can't be transfered to a different
computer. This this correct?

My concern is that I am thinking of buying a machine that I can afford right
now, with windows xp included, and want to upgrade it as I have the money. So
if one month I replace the hard drive, then the next the video card, next month
add some ram, move it to a prettier case, and then upgrade the motherboard and
processor, at what point is it considered a new computer?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Some people believe that the motherboard is the key component that
defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
such distinction.

According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from
one distinct PC to another PC. However, this doesn't prevent one from
repairing/upgrading that PC.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ to define when an
incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original computer.
The closest I've seen a Microsoft employee come to this definition 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 PC yourself, and used a generic OEM WinXP CD,
I'd have to conclude that *you* are the OEM, and *you* get to decide
when you're going to stop supporting the system and its OS.



Bruce Chambers

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You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
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[Grant]

Greetings --

Some people believe that the motherboard is the key component that
defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
such distinction.

According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from
one distinct PC to another PC. However, this doesn't prevent one from
repairing/upgrading that PC.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ to define when an
incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original computer.
The closest I've seen a Microsoft employee come to this definition 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 PC yourself, and used a generic OEM WinXP CD,
I'd have to conclude that *you* are the OEM, and *you* get to decide
when you're going to stop supporting the system and its OS.



Bruce Chambers

Would I have any problems reactivating this computer if I need to, after all the
upgrades?

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

I shouldn't think so.

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Tee]

Would I have any problems reactivating this computer if I need to, after all the
upgrades?

Two months ago I purchased XP Pro full version to replace ME on my 4yo HP
Pavillion. I did everything properly, wiped & reformatted the hard drive,
added new RAM but after installation of XP, I began getting hard disk
warnings. I called in to tech support and it was pretty much decided that I
needed a new pc. I uninstalled XP from the HP and reinstalled ME.

I had to call in to get a new key code when installing XP on the new pc
which was no problem. After problems with that installation (things not
working properly) I had to call them again. I've installed XP 3x now on
this new pc and finally its working right. Each time I had no difficulty in
getting a new key code by phone though.

I did ask if I'd have any problems in the future because I explained that I
like to wipe my hard drive at least once a year for maintenance purposes. I
was told to just call in whenever I do that and they'll give me a new key
code.

 

[Grant]

Two months ago I purchased XP Pro full version to replace ME on my 4yo HP
Pavillion. I did everything properly, wiped & reformatted the hard drive,
added new RAM but after installation of XP, I began getting hard disk
warnings. I called in to tech support and it was pretty much decided that I
needed a new pc. I uninstalled XP from the HP and reinstalled ME.

I had to call in to get a new key code when installing XP on the new pc
which was no problem. After problems with that installation (things not
working properly) I had to call them again. I've installed XP 3x now on
this new pc and finally its working right. Each time I had no difficulty in
getting a new key code by phone though.

I did ask if I'd have any problems in the future because I explained that I
like to wipe my hard drive at least once a year for maintenance purposes. I
was told to just call in whenever I do that and they'll give me a new key
code.

Thank you. That's good to know, as I like to reformat occationally too (though
I usually just make an image with norton ghost right after I install my main
programs).

 

[Michael Stevens]

Thank you. That's good to know, as I like to reformat occationally
too (though I usually just make an image with norton ghost right
after I install my main programs).

Click on or copy and paste the link below into your web browser address box.
OEM clarification.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/oemeula.htm
--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[kurttrail]

"By the act of scrolling this post on your computer, and/or printing or
replying to this post, you agree that I am your everlasting Lord &
Saviour. Breach of this term will result in you burning in hell for
ever and ever! Amen!"

Two months ago I purchased XP Pro full version to replace ME on my
4yo HP Pavillion. I did everything properly, wiped & reformatted the
hard drive, added new RAM but after installation of XP, I began
getting hard disk warnings. I called in to tech support and it was
pretty much decided that I needed a new pc. I uninstalled XP from
the HP and reinstalled ME.

I had to call in to get a new key code when installing XP on the new
pc which was no problem. After problems with that installation
(things not working properly) I had to call them again. I've
installed XP 3x now on this new pc and finally its working right.
Each time I had no difficulty in getting a new key code by phone
though.

I did ask if I'd have any problems in the future because I explained
that I like to wipe my hard drive at least once a year for
maintenance purposes. I was told to just call in whenever I do that
and they'll give me a new key code.

Of course you don't mention whether your copy was "Retail" or "OEM," and
MS claims there is a difference.

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