one final question

  • Thread starter Thread starter FireBrick
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FireBrick

If I buy the Vista 'builders' version, I can only install that on one
machine, ever?

If that machine dies and I build another, I can't use that version of Vista
Premium?

That's the way I read it.

With the age of my machines, that may not be wise.

But seeing as how the versions of Vista change practically monthly.


What's the best approach?
 
Theoretically an OEM copy of Vista or XP is tied to the original motherboard
on which it was installed.
However the Indians-with-American-jobs at the Microsoft call center will
usually give you a new activation code if you change hardware in the
interest of fighting software piracy.
The many security updates for Vista (actually far less than for the Mac OS)
do not affect activation.
 
FireBrick said:
If I buy the Vista 'builders' version, I can only install that on one
machine, ever?
Click to expand...


The OEM license has always meant this.
If that machine dies and I build another, I can't use that version of
Vista Premium?

That's the way I read it.
Click to expand...

That's what it has always meant, for every version of Windows.

It's not a change.
With the age of my machines, that may not be wise.

But seeing as how the versions of Vista change practically monthly.


What's the best approach?
Click to expand...

If you want the transferrable license, get the Retail version.

HTH
-pk
 
Theoretically an OEM copy of Vista or XP is tied to the original motherboard
on which it was installed.
Click to expand...


That's not correct. It's tied to the original *computer* on which it's
installed.

For a long time, it wasn't clear exactly what constituted the original
computer, and many people felt that replacing the motherboard made it
a different computer. However, Microsoft has clarified the situation.
See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/activationfaq.mspx
or http://tinyurl.com/384gx5

which states

"If you acquired Windows Vista pre-installed on a computer from a
major manufacturer (sometimes referred to as an Original Equipment
Manufacturer or OEM), Windows Vista will require re-activation if you
replace the motherboard with a motherboard not provided by the OEM."
 
Patrick Keenan said:
The OEM license has always meant this.
Click to expand...

What you can do is install it on another computer. Call Microsoft and say
you had to replace an item in your comuter. Once you let them know you only
have one install on one computer they will allow activation.

No big deal.

That's what it has always meant, for every version of Windows.

It's not a change.


If you want the transferrable license, get the Retail version.
Click to expand...

See my above explanation so you don't have to purchase a Retail version.
Hope that helps.
 
FireBrick said:
If I buy the Vista 'builders' version, I can only install that on one
machine, ever?
Click to expand...

If by "builder's version" you mean an OEM copy of windows: yes, it can only
be activated on one machine. That's why it's so much cheaper than a retail
copy. It can also normally only be purchased if you buy a new computer (or
at least the motherboard) at the same time.

Licensing is usually tied to the motherboard so you can still upgrade other
components. I think XP used to allow hree major hardware changes before
forcing you to reactivate; I don't know if Vista's the same.

If that machine dies and I build another, I can't use that version of
Vista Premium?
Click to expand...


If the machine dies and you have to replace the motherboard, as long as it's
the same as (or if you can't get one the same, equivalent in performance to)
the old one you can call Microsoft and explain you've had to replace it due
to a fault and they'll issue you with a new product key. Of course, with
really old machines, any replacement motherboard would almost certainly be
an upgrade so then you'd have to budget for a new OEM copy of Windows.

But seeing as how the versions of Vista change practically monthly.
Click to expand...


The overall version of Windows only changes every few years. Vista is
version 6; version 7 is currently in Beta test stage. An OEM copy of Windows
is identical to the retail version, so all Service packs and Windows Updates
can still be installed in the same way.

What's the best approach?
Click to expand...

If you're looking to build a machine to last you for the next couple of
years, get an OEM copy as part of your components list. If you like to chop
and change stuff, and upgrade every few months, a retail copy might be a
better idea.
 
If the machine dies and you have to replace the motherboard, as long as it's
the same as (or if you can't get one the same, equivalent in performance to)
the old one you can call Microsoft and explain you've had to replace it due
to a fault and they'll issue you with a new product key. Of course, with
really old machines, any replacement motherboard would almost certainly be
an upgrade so then you'd have to budget for a new OEM copy of Windows.
Click to expand...


That's not quite correct. An OEM copy is licensed for only use on the
original computer it was installed on, and may not be moved to another
one. For a long time, it wasn't clear exactly what constituted the
original computer, and many people felt that replacing the motherboard
made it a different computer. However, Microsoft has clarified the
situation. See
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/activationfaq.mspx
or http://tinyurl.com/384gx5

which states

"If you acquired Windows Vista pre-installed on a computer from a
major manufacturer (sometimes referred to as an Original Equipment
Manufacturer or OEM), Windows Vista will require re-activation if you
replace the motherboard with a motherboard not provided by the OEM."

So clearly, if you can reactivate it, it's legal to use it.
 
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