OEM Versions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mark Jamieson
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M

Mark Jamieson

Hi,

I know the OEM version is limited to one computer but how does this work
in practice...can you change a major item of hardware (such as the
motherboard) then re-install and re-activate?

Mark
 
Mark said:
Hi,

I know the OEM version is limited to one computer but how does this work
in practice...can you change a major item of hardware (such as the
motherboard) then re-install and re-activate?

Mark
Click to expand...

The OEM EULA isn't finished yet. I know with XP, you can upgrade
hardware to your heart's content.

Alias
 
No one will know for sure, Mark, until the OEM versions are released and
someone tries.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
As it is now (regarding XP) if that's happening due to a defect you or your
Shop has to call MS to renew the key for WGA to work ok. I do believe it
will be the same for Vista.

At least I haven't been noticed this will not be the same as before!.
Ko.
 
Don't know, haven't seen anything at all in print to suggest that it will
work the same or that it's changed. But Mark's question is simply whether an
OEM version can be moved to new hardware (in a technical sense, not getting
into the logistics/meaning/spirit of the eula). At this point, the answer is
that no one knows for sure (at least not outside of MS or its closest
confidents).

With XP, the keys have to be called in due to the rampant theft of PK's from
labels on OEM preinstalled systems by employees and distributors (since they
are initially installed with a volume key and the PK on the sticker is often
never used by the real owner for many months or years, if ever).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Mark Jamieson said:
Hi,

I know the OEM version is limited to one computer but how does this work
in practice...can you change a major item of hardware (such as the
motherboard) then re-install and re-activate?
Click to expand...

The EULA of XP is very tight. In practice you can change hardware, although
a new motherboard would class as a new PC and against the EULA.
However what the eula states and what is actually possible are two very
different things. Its a case of whether you wish to follow the eula word
for word or not.
I would imagine the Vista oem eula would be pretty much the same with few
changes.
 
In Principe the OEM may not be transferred in no way.
But due to the knowledge and experience we have MS will allow and give a new
key "If" for instance a part of the original PC had to be replaced for
malfunction.
And though in practice that's a new PC, if the supplier call's himself the
new key is provided!
Normal practice, but the OEM builder has to make the call.

Ko.
 
Beck said:
The EULA of XP is very tight. In practice you can change hardware,
although a new motherboard would class as a new PC and against the EULA.
Click to expand...

False. I have replaced the motherboard twice on one machine and once on
two other machines and the generic OEM copies of XP activated fine on
line when I reinstalled Windows.
However what the eula states and what is actually possible are two very
different things. Its a case of whether you wish to follow the eula
word for word or not.
Click to expand...

I suggest you *read* the EULA where you will find *no* mention how
changing the motherboard constitutes a "new computer".
I would imagine the Vista oem eula would be pretty much the same with
few changes.
Click to expand...

Well, being as you have been imagining things regarding the generic OEM
EULA, you might as well share your fantasies regarding Vista with us.

Alias
 
Alias said:
False. I have replaced the motherboard twice on one machine and once on
two other machines and the generic OEM copies of XP activated fine on line
when I reinstalled Windows.
Click to expand...

I never said it would not activate.
I suggest you *read* the EULA where you will find *no* mention how
changing the motherboard constitutes a "new computer".
Click to expand...

No you are absolutely right. I don't know why my mind came up with that
bullshit, because I got in the exact same arguement with somebody a few
months ago and stated the same as you did. There is no provision for
motherboards in the xp eula.
I think my brain is fried.
 
It really comes down to intent and to what Microsoft allows. If you're
really upgrading your OEM PC, and the Microsoft activation service allows
the changes, or you can call and explain your changes to a trained Microsoft
rep and they approve the changes, then there you have an interpretation of
the EULA.

If you're "upgrading" your OEM PC by unplugging the power cord from the back
and sliding in a new box, then you know you're not upgrading.

There is one big moral conflict I see with OEM licenses purchased by average
users when they call Dell or HP or walk out of their local Wal-Mart with the
HP flavor of the day. Those people have spent their money to purchase, in
their minds, a copy of Windows and a PC. They are not aware of the
limitation when they make the purchase. The limitation is not made clear
prior to the purchase.

Dale
 
Worse case you may have to call the activation center. It should be no big
deal. I've called the activation center many many times over the years with
XP and never had a negative response from any of the activation center
staff.
 
Harry said:
Worse case you may have to call the activation center. It should be no
big deal. I've called the activation center many many times over the
years with XP and never had a negative response from any of the
activation center staff.
Click to expand...

Do you know anyone that was turned down and, if not, what's the point of
phone activation other than putting another obstacle to using something
you paid for in front of you?

Alias
 
Mark Jamieson said:
Hi,

I know the OEM version is limited to one computer but how does this work
in practice...can you change a major item of hardware (such as the
motherboard) then re-install and re-activate?

Mark
Click to expand...
There are two kinds of OEM versions; those that come installed on a new
computer and those that you buy with a major hardware purchase. The one that
comes installed on your computer is limited to that one computer by the
manufacturer.

I haven't seen any licenses for the OEM acquired with a major hardware
purchase. Looks to me though, that you should be able to put it on any
machine you have, just the same as if it were purchased in a box. Of course,
on only one machine for activation.
 
Hi Nancy,

The generic OEM version, like the retail and as you surmised, can be
installed on any system. The caveat with the OEM license is that it cannot
be transferred to a new machine once activated. The problem that arises is
that there is no clear cut definition on what defines a new system. Also,
the generic OEM license no longer has to be sold with a piece of hardware.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
I have read a few posts in the windowsxp.general group over the years of
folks turned down because about the only thing left from the old computer
was the case (I'm exagerating a little, but not much).
 
Colin said:
I have read a few posts in the windowsxp.general group over the years of
folks turned down because about the only thing left from the old
computer was the case (I'm exagerating a little, but not much).
Click to expand...

Seems to me it should have been activated then, as the computer has
merely been upgraded. There is nothing that says one can't upgrade one's
computer continuously.

Alias
 
Remember, we are talking about OEM. MS is much more liberal regarding
retail keys.
 
I've used my generic OEM XP CD on about six different 'upgraded' PCs now!
Activated over the internet every time no problem.
 
Colin said:
Remember, we are talking about OEM. MS is much more liberal regarding
retail keys.
Click to expand...

I know what we're talking about. I upgraded one of my computers to the
point where the only thing left was the case and the monitor and it
activated on line no problem. I plan to continue to upgrade that
computer because it's the only one that will run Vista, when Vista's SP2
comes out, of course.

Alias
 
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