Legit Reviews

...does an OEM machine cease to be, and hence you need a new (not OEM) copy of windows.

Because I will be changing out the motherboard and CPU of a machine, but was wondering if the licence would still be valid.

Dan

I have a old Dell that I still have lying around. The xp home windows copy that came with the computer says it is only for Dell. It says do not install it on a different rig. It might have something to do with the way the motherboard is set up.
If it works use it. You paid for it.

OEM is tied to the motherboard, and Dan please don't post that your going to use the OEM license, just leave that part out[flash=][/flash]

Ok, my bad. Thanks for clarifying where MS draws the line.

Dan

vbironchef wrote:I have a old Dell that I still have lying around. The xp home windows copy that came with the computer says it is only for Dell. It says do not install it on a different rig. It might have something to do with the way the motherboard is set up.
If it works use it. You paid for it.

With M$ all you pay for is a license to use the software, with an OEM CD, your license only allows you to run it on the hardware it was initially installed on.

I understand that its tied to the motherboard, but what happens if you have a hard drive failure? You have to buy a new copy of windows, or can you call MS and explain the situation?

ibleet wrote:I understand that its tied to the motherboard, but what happens if you have a hard drive failure? You have to buy a new copy of windows, or can you call MS and explain the situation?

Genuine Advantage (M$) doesn't record the hdd, so you're free to change that all you like. If you move the hdd to another rig, it will detect the strange hardware and bios code and then deactivate.
AFAIK Genuine Advantage records and checks the (specific) mobo BIOS (not just mobo type), GFX card and ram size. You can change / upgrade these parts, but not all at one time. If you do, it will force you to activate over the phone. This new hardware config is then recorded and the old config removed.

With an OEM license you can't change parts, even one at a time, unless it's a minor upgrade like ram.

Legally, OEM licenses are tied to the motherboard, however, MS seems to be quite lenient on phone calls so far.

If you're the system builder, the license gives you the right to replace the motherboard in event of hardware failure...