XP OEM and System upgrades

[Guest]

Hello,

I build my own systems and periodically upgrade them to keep up with the
latest and greatest technology. I would like to purchase an OEM version of
XP Professional for my main computer. In the future I plan to do a major
upgrade, which includes a new mother board, new memory, new CPU, and maybe a
new graphic card. All remaining hardware (hard drives, sound card, etc.)
will stay the same.

I’m certain that this change will require a re-installation or reseal of the
system. Is that something I can do using an OEM Windows XP given the changes
I have planned? The link
(http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/oempreac.mspx)
gives me an idea that I could, but I need to be sure.

Can anyone of you help?

R. Anderson

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No. An OEM version of Windows XP does not permit a
change of motherboard to a different motherboard. If
you anticipate upgrading the motherboard in the future,
then you'll need a "Retail Version" of Windows XP.
That is one reason OEM versions cost less...less flexibility
when performing motherboard upgrades.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Hello,
|
| I build my own systems and periodically upgrade them to keep up with the
| latest and greatest technology. I would like to purchase an OEM version of
| XP Professional for my main computer. In the future I plan to do a major
| upgrade, which includes a new mother board, new memory, new CPU, and maybe a
| new graphic card. All remaining hardware (hard drives, sound card, etc.)
| will stay the same.
|
| I’m certain that this change will require a re-installation or reseal of the
| system. Is that something I can do using an OEM Windows XP given the changes
| I have planned? The link
| (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/oempreac.mspx)
| gives me an idea that I could, but I need to be sure.
|
| Can anyone of you help?
|
| R. Anderson

 

[Guest]

Just for clarity. At the link below it mentions in an example "the
replacement of a defective motherboard." Does this mean that the replacement
motherboard should be the same kind/model of motherboard as the previous one?
Also, what voids the OEM license? A change in the motherboard, or could
there be other hardware changes that affect it as well (e.g. memory or CPU
upgrade. The motherboard does not change).

 

[Ron Martell]

Hello,

I build my own systems and periodically upgrade them to keep up with the
latest and greatest technology. I would like to purchase an OEM version of
XP Professional for my main computer. In the future I plan to do a major
upgrade, which includes a new mother board, new memory, new CPU, and maybe a
new graphic card. All remaining hardware (hard drives, sound card, etc.)
will stay the same.

I’m certain that this change will require a re-installation or reseal of the
system. Is that something I can do using an OEM Windows XP given the changes
I have planned? The link
(http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/oempreac.mspx)
gives me an idea that I could, but I need to be sure.

Can anyone of you help?

R. Anderson

That article refers to the pre-activated Windows XP supplied with new
computer systems from the major manufacturers.

If you are building your own computer then you will presumably be
installing a generic OEM version of Windows XP; that is one with only
the Microsoft name and logo on the CD rather than the name of a
specific computer manufacturer/assembler.

These generic OEM versions are not preactivated. They require
activation over the Internet (or by telephone) in the same way that a
retail version does.

When you do replace the motherboard you will be required to do a
Repair Install of Windows XP in order to properly configure the
installed Windows to work with the different motherboard components.
See http://michaelstevenstech.com/moving_xp.html

So long as it is more than 120 days since the last activation of that
OEM license on the old motherboard you should have no problems
reactivating it after the motherboard replacement.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hello,

I build my own systems and periodically upgrade them to keep up with the
latest and greatest technology. I would like to purchase an OEM version of
XP Professional for my main computer. In the future I plan to do a major
upgrade, which includes a new mother board, new memory, new CPU, and maybe a
new graphic card. All remaining hardware (hard drives, sound card, etc.)
will stay the same.

I’m certain that this change will require a re-installation or reseal of the
system. Is that something I can do using an OEM Windows XP given the changes
I have planned?

You shouldn't have any troubles.

According to its 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.

Now, 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. Others have said 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 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_ publicly to 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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

No. An OEM version of Windows XP does not permit a
change of motherboard to a different motherboard. If
you anticipate upgrading the motherboard in the future,
then you'll need a "Retail Version" of Windows XP.
That is one reason OEM versions cost less...less flexibility
when performing motherboard upgrades.

Carey --

How many times do you need to be told that if it's not in the EULA, it
doesn't apply to the end user? The consumer is *not* bound by the
systems builder terms.


--

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

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

"OEM versions are intended for system builders only and cannot be
transferred to another PC once it is installed. Purchasers of this software
are required to comply with the terms of the System Builder License...."

Example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102062

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------­----------------

:

| Carey Frisch [MVP] wrote:
| > No. An OEM version of Windows XP does not permit a
| > change of motherboard to a different motherboard. If
| > you anticipate upgrading the motherboard in the future,
| > then you'll need a "Retail Version" of Windows XP.
| > That is one reason OEM versions cost less...less flexibility
| > when performing motherboard upgrades.
| >
|
|
| Carey --
|
| How many times do you need to be told that if it's not in the EULA, it
| doesn't apply to the end user? The consumer is *not* bound by the
| systems builder terms.
|
|
| --
|
| 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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

"OEM versions are intended for system builders only and cannot be
transferred to another PC once it is installed. Purchasers of this software
are required to comply with the terms of the System Builder License...."

Example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102062

Totally irrelevant. New Egg is not Microsoft, not are they a legal
firm; their statement means nothing.

What does the OEM *EULA* say? *NOTHING* else counts. Period.


--

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

 

[Leythos]

Totally irrelevant. New Egg is not Microsoft, not are they a legal
firm; their statement means nothing.

What does the OEM *EULA* say? *NOTHING* else counts. Period.

But, it's nice that they make the purchaser aware of the requirements,
which means that the purchaser IS responsible for the agreement.