XP Home product (re)activation......will it work for me??

[Stuart Chapman]

Hi all,

I'm running a system with an OEM XP Home. I purchased the OS from a vendor,
along with a $15 mouse, as I was assured by the vendor that this qualified
me for the OEM version. Now I'm not so sure.

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping the
monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my product reactivation won't
work, as it won't recognise my new system.

What's the current policy re the minimum qualifications for an OEM version
of WInXP? Are my fears about the product activation justified? I've done a
<liittle> bit of research on the MS sites but haven't seen anything which
clarifies this.

Thanks in advance, Stupot

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Hi all,

I'm running a system with an OEM XP Home. I purchased the OS from a
vendor,
along with a $15 mouse, as I was assured by the vendor that this qualified
me for the OEM version. Now I'm not so sure.

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping the
monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my product reactivation
won't
work, as it won't recognise my new system.

What's the current policy re the minimum qualifications for an OEM version
of WInXP? Are my fears about the product activation justified? I've done a
<liittle> bit of research on the MS sites but haven't seen anything which
clarifies this.

Stuart,

OEM products are a one time use license.
By this we mean that once instilled to a PC they may not be moved to another
PC.
You are basically proposing to move the OEM product from one PC to another
(keeping a few peripherals such as key board and monitor).
This would be a breach of the licensing for the OEM product.
If you are building/buying a new PC you will need to buy another copy of
Windows XP for that PC.
This is one of the reasons that the OEM products are in many cases
substantially cheaper then the full retail products - they have certain
restrictions on their use and reuse.

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

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[kurttrail]

Hi all,

I'm running a system with an OEM XP Home. I purchased the OS from a
vendor, along with a $15 mouse, as I was assured by the vendor that
this qualified me for the OEM version. Now I'm not so sure.

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping
the monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my product
reactivation won't work, as it won't recognise my new system.

What's the current policy re the minimum qualifications for an OEM
version of WInXP? Are my fears about the product activation
justified? I've done a <liittle> bit of research on the MS sites but
haven't seen anything which clarifies this.

Thanks in advance, Stupot

If it has been over 120 days since you last activated XP, then activation
should go through smoothly over the internet.

--
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Self-anointed Moderator
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"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

If it has been over 120 days since you last activated XP, then activation
should go through smoothly over the internet.

He may only reactivate on the same machine - as it is an OEM product and not
a retail licensed product he may not move it to another machine.

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
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[kurttrail]

Stuart,

OEM products are a one time use license.

One computer, not one install. He still only using it the same computer,
his computer.

By this we mean that once instilled to a PC they may not be moved to
another PC.

He is upgrading his system. IT IS STILL THE SAME COMPUTER SYSTEM, Stuart's
computer system.

You are basically proposing to move the OEM product from one PC to
another (keeping a few peripherals such as key board and monitor).

That would be your opinion!

This would be a breach of the licensing for the OEM product.

Again, your opinion which has no basis in reality.

If you are building/buying a new PC you will need to buy another copy
of Windows XP for that PC.

He is upgrading his computer. What don't you get?

This is one of the reasons that the OEM products are in many cases
substantially cheaper then the full retail products - they have
certain restrictions on their use and reuse.

Yeah, you don't get MS support, that's why it's cheaper.

"This posting is provided 'AS IS' with no warranties, and confers no
rights"

Your posting "AS IS" says it all! I stand behind my words! Too bad you are
too chickensh*t to give out answers doing the same.

--
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Kurt
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microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
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"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[kurttrail]

He may only reactivate on the same machine - as it is an OEM product
and not a retail licensed product he may not move it to another
machine.

It is the same computer system, Stuart's. He is just upgrading it.

To Stuart: Notice that Mike didn't refute that you should be able to
activate it.

http://microscum.com/mmpafaq/

--
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Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[Michael Stevens]

Hi all,

I'm running a system with an OEM XP Home. I purchased the OS from a
vendor, along with a $15 mouse, as I was assured by the vendor that
this qualified me for the OEM version. Now I'm not so sure.

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping
the monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my product
reactivation won't work, as it won't recognise my new system.

What's the current policy re the minimum qualifications for an OEM
version of WInXP? Are my fears about the product activation
justified? I've done a <liittle> bit of research on the MS sites but
haven't seen anything which clarifies this.

Thanks in advance, Stupot

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

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Which bit about him replacing everything except the keyboard modem and
monitor did you not understand ? - that is not upgrading a PC that is
replacing it.
From the original post
"...
I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping the
monitor, keyboard, modem.
...."

There is no "opinion" required here the EULA is very clear about this; and
the original poster agreed to be bound by this during the initial install.

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

It is the same computer system, Stuart's. He is just upgrading it.

To Stuart: Notice that Mike didn't refute that you should be able to
activate it.

Of course not as he is able and allowed to reactivate on the same system,
which this is not.
The ability to do something however does not make it right, proper, legal
etc to do so.

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
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[kurttrail]

Of course not as he is able and allowed to reactivate on the same
system, which this is not.

Says you! The OP clearly stated that he is doing a "MAJOR upgrade" of his
computer system, not that he is replacing one computer with a totally
different one!

The ability to do something however does not make it right, proper,
legal etc to do so.

Prove it! But I know you can't, since even MS's OEM EULA doesn't spell out
when an upgraded computer becomes a totally different computer.

I stand behind my words. To legally prove me wrong, MS would have to sue me
and win!

"Bring 'em on!"

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[kurttrail]

Which bit about him replacing everything except the keyboard modem and
monitor did you not understand ? - that is not upgrading a PC that is
replacing it.
From the original post
"...
I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping
the monitor, keyboard, modem.
..."

"I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly"

What part of that don't YOU understand. Same computer, Stuart's, with many
new components.

There is no "opinion" required here the EULA is very clear about
this; and the original poster agreed to be bound by this during the
initial install.

No it's not. NOWHERE IN THE OEM EULA DOES MS SPELL OUT WHEN A UPGRADED
COMPUTER BECOMES A DIFFERENT COMPUTER!

Check it out for yourself!

--
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microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

"I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly"

What part of that don't YOU understand. Same computer, Stuart's, with
many
new components.

Kurt if you pick up your PCs system unit and leave on your desk you monitor
keyboard and mouse and throw the system unit of the window then buy a new
system unit where is your PC ? Did you upgrade it or replace it ?

The original poster used the phrase "MAJOR upgrade" and then qualified this
by stating he was replacing everything bar a couple of external devices.
You can argue over the semantics of is "he upgrading a part of his PC or is
his upgrade process and complete PC replacement".
Is buying a new car and scrapping you old one but keeping your furry dice
off the rear view mirror an upgrade to your old car ?

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Al Smith]

I'm running a system with an OEM XP Home. I purchased the OS from a vendor,

along with a $15 mouse, as I was assured by the vendor that this qualified
me for the OEM version. Now I'm not so sure.

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping the
monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my product reactivation won't
work, as it won't recognise my new system.

You should be worried, if you're silly enough to go through the
Microsoft reactivation mill. If you do this major upgrade, you
will be required to reactivate, and since your OS version is OEM,
that activation will fail, unless you do some fiddling and lying.

 

[kurttrail]

Kurt if you pick up your PCs system unit and leave on your desk you
monitor keyboard and mouse and throw the system unit of the window
then buy a new system unit where is your PC ? Did you upgrade it or
replace it ?

"monitor, keyboard, modem"

But even under your scenario, I upgraded MY computer system. And since MS
didn't SPELL OUT what constitutes replacement of a computer when upgrading,
MS extra-EULA policies have no clothes.

The original poster used the phrase "MAJOR upgrade" and then
qualified this by stating he was replacing everything bar a couple of
external devices.

To Stuart, it is an upgrade. What YOU think it is doesn't mean anything!
Remember the bullsh*t you post is given "AS IS!"

And how do you KNOW his modem is external? Channeling thru Miss Cleo again?

You can argue over the semantics of is "he
upgrading a part of his PC or is his upgrade process and complete PC
replacement".
Is buying a new car and scrapping you old one but keeping your furry
dice off the rear view mirror an upgrade to your old car ?

LOL! He's not buying a new car or a new computer. He is "upgrading" HIS
computer system. Or are you calling Stuart a liar?

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[kurttrail]

Hi all,

I'm running a system with an OEM XP Home. I purchased the OS from a
vendor, along with a $15 mouse, as I was assured by the vendor that
this qualified me for the OEM version. Now I'm not so sure.

Yes, it does qualify you to use the OEM Version

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping
the monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my product
reactivation won't work, as it won't recognise my new system.

It should activate over the internet with no problems, as long as it's been
over 120 days since you last activated XP. If not, just do phone activation
and tell them you upgraded your computer.

What's the current policy re the minimum qualifications for an OEM
version of WInXP?

Being purchased with a piece of computer hardware. Some OEM distributers
sell OEM XP with a IDE cable, and even computer case screws.

Are my fears about the product activation
justified?

Well yes. MS has created so much FUD [Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt]
surrounding PA that most average End Users [You] can't make head or tails of
it.

I've done a <liittle> bit of research on the MS sites but
haven't seen anything which clarifies this.

Yep. This is MS's way! It depends on FUD, not reality.

Thanks in advance, Stupot

MS uses the FUD surrounding PA to get uneducated consumers to the buy the
same product over and over again.

Since MS made the mistake of not spelling out when upgrading a computer
becomes a totally different computer in it's OEM EULA, you can justifiably
upgrade your computer to your heart's content.

And if I'm wrong MS can sue me, because I've upgraded just about every
component in my home computer system, and I run OEM Win2K.

Not only am I MAN enough to stand by my words, I live them too!

You'll never see me hiding behind "AS IS" bullsh*t!

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[kurttrail]

You should be worried, if you're silly enough to go through the
Microsoft reactivation mill. If you do this major upgrade, you
will be required to reactivate, and since your OS version is OEM,
that activation will fail, unless you do some fiddling and lying.

Actually the 120 day rule applies to all copies of MS Software [both Windows
& Office] with PA, including OEM copies. I know, I've tested it out,
myself.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
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"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[Alex Nichol]

I'm running a system with an OEM XP Home. I purchased the OS from a vendor,
along with a $15 mouse, as I was assured by the vendor that this qualified
me for the OEM version. Now I'm not so sure.

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system keeping the
monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my product reactivation won't
work, as it won't recognise my new system.

What's the current policy re the minimum qualifications for an OEM version
of WInXP?

This is one that has been left as a grey area. The interpretation of
the license is that you may not transfer to a different machine than
the one where first installed. Where the activation system will see an
set of changes as constituting a new machine is not clear, but I think a
fair guess would be where the system at boot would see it as not the
same - for discussion of that see my page www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm.
But it sounds as if you are changing *all* the hardware that enters into
that and I really do not think it could be seen as the same

 

[Al Smith]

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system

Actually the 120 day rule applies to all copies of MS Software [both Windows
& Office] with PA, including OEM copies. I know, I've tested it out,
myself.

Yeah, but the point is, he's not legally permitted by the
Microsoft license agreement to do this upgrade, since it qualifies
as a transfer to a new computer by Microsoft's terms, and an OEM
copy of XP can't be transferred legally to another computer. But,
sure, if he can just register anyway over the Internet, without
Microsoft knowing the difference, I'd tell him to go for it.

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Read the OEM EULA and show me where it spells out when upgrading a
computer
becomes a totally different computer.

It does not need to spell out "when upgrading a computer becomes a totally
different computer."

The issue at hand here (for this poster) is that to improve (upgrade) the
performance of his PC he is replacing the entire computer system with the
exception of the few components he mentions. (to use the car analogy you did
not understand the first time I used it, he is getting rid of his car for
another, but keeping his furry dice, his bumper sticker and child seat.

Thus it is covered by this section

"...
* Software as a Component of the Computer - Transfer. THIS
LICENSE MAY NOT BE SHARED, TRANSFERRED TO OR
USED CONCURRENTLY ON DIFFERENT COMPUTERS.
The SOFTWARE is licensed with the COMPUTER as a single
integrated product and may only be used with the COMPUTER. If
the SOFTWARE is not accompanied by HARDWARE, you may not use
the SOFTWARE. You may permanently transfer all of your rights
under this EULA only as part of a permanent sale or transfer
of the COMPUTER, provided you retain no copies, if you
transfer the SOFTWARE (including all component parts, the
media, any upgrades, this EULA and the Certificate of
Authenticity), and the recipient agrees to the terms of this
EULA. If the SOFTWARE is an upgrade, any transfer must also
include all prior versions of the SOFTWARE.

...."

--

Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

I planning on a MAJOR upgrade shortly, basically a new system
keeping the monitor, keyboard, modem. I'm now worried that my
product reactivation won't work, as it won't recognise my new
system.


You should be worried, if you're silly enough to go through the
Microsoft reactivation mill. If you do this major upgrade, you
will be required to reactivate, and since your OS version is OEM,
that activation will fail, unless you do some fiddling and lying.


Actually the 120 day rule applies to all copies of MS Software [both
Windows & Office] with PA, including OEM copies. I know, I've
tested it out, myself.

Yeah, but the point is, he's not legally permitted by the
Microsoft license agreement to do this upgrade, since it qualifies
as a transfer to a new computer by Microsoft's terms, and an OEM
copy of XP can't be transferred legally to another computer. But,
sure, if he can just register anyway over the Internet, without
Microsoft knowing the difference, I'd tell him to go for it.

Read the OEM EULA and show me where it spells out when upgrading a
computer
becomes a totally different computer.

--
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"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"

 

[kurttrail]

It does not need to spell out "when upgrading a computer becomes a
totally different computer."

To that to a JUDGE! Consumers have rights too!

The issue at hand here (for this poster) is that to improve (upgrade)
the performance of his PC he is replacing the entire computer system
with the exception of the few components he mentions. (to use the car
analogy you did not understand the first time I used it, he is
getting rid of his car for another, but keeping his furry dice, his
bumper sticker and child seat.

Stuart NEVER did say he was replacing the "ENTIRE COMPUTER SYSTEM." You are
putting words into Stuart's mouth that he never wrote!

To me, that is totally despicable.

Thus it is covered by this section

Thus it is NOT covered by this section.

"...
* Software as a Component of the Computer - Transfer. THIS
LICENSE MAY NOT BE SHARED, TRANSFERRED TO OR
USED CONCURRENTLY ON DIFFERENT COMPUTERS.
The SOFTWARE is licensed with the COMPUTER as a single
integrated product and may only be used with the COMPUTER. If
the SOFTWARE is not accompanied by HARDWARE, you may not use
the SOFTWARE. You may permanently transfer all of your rights
under this EULA only as part of a permanent sale or transfer
of the COMPUTER, provided you retain no copies, if you
transfer the SOFTWARE (including all component parts, the
media, any upgrades, this EULA and the Certificate of
Authenticity), and the recipient agrees to the terms of this
EULA. If the SOFTWARE is an upgrade, any transfer must also
include all prior versions of the SOFTWARE.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei!"