Upgraded Motherboard = New Windows Licence (OEM)

maverik-sg1

New member
Microsoft recently made a change to the licence agreement saying that a new motherboard is equal to a new computer, hence you need to purchase a new Windows licence. Here is what Microsoft has to say:

“An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a “new personal computer” to which Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created and the license of new operating system software is required.”

The reason Microsoft gave for this term is that “Microsoft needed to have one base component “left standing” that would still define that original PC. Since the motherboard contains the CPU and is the “heart and soul” of the PC, when the motherboard is replaced (for reasons other than defect) a new PC is essentially created.” Microsoft sent a memo to its OEM partners asking them to enforce this new policy, every time they upgrade a computer for a client.

Mav's Thoughts:

More corporate bullying :@ - does this mean though that if you purchase the retail version you can provide the two finger salute to that?

I guess there's never been a better time to get XP Pro or XP64 then?

There's no better news than knowing that you should budget to spend £100 on a new license everytime you upgrade something - Microsofts attempt at providing themselves with more re-curring revenue throughout the year no doubt.

There should be some sort of fixed prices for these things at best, say you upgrade the MOBO - the re-licensing fee of £10 should apply?

EVEN BETTER LETS GO OPENSOURCE!!
 
That's pretty disgusting if true Mav - what's to say this will only effect OEM users too? To be honest this will be a kick up the backside for the whole OEM system building industry - forcing costs upwards yet again.
 
This is infact true. We are a Microsoft reseller and sponsored by the buggers at work. We have to buy new corp lisences aswell as they are Dell OEM's.

It sucks!! It also means I can't upgrade my HTPC as it's running an OEM of MCE2k5.

Buggers!!

Boardy
 
Theres been an update on this from microsoft, I believe it basically updates there previous statement saying this isnt targeted at home users...
 
name='unreal' said:
Theres been an update on this from microsoft, I believe it basically updates there previous statement saying this isnt targeted at home users...

thats a bit more like it then, im a home user and although i dont replace the mobo a lot i do like to replace it when new technology comes out that i think is worth trying, having to incorporate a new oem license into every mobo upgrade is surely going to make more of teh enthusiast community point toward pirated software ??

Phil
 
I have a oem xp home and have had no trouble getting it reactivated,it`s a bit of a pain having to phone up everytime you do a fresh install,i just tell them my hard drive crashed or it`s being replaced with a new one because my overclock knackered windows up,work`s everytime :D
 
Technically you need to purchase a new licence if you changed your case also since OEM versions are only supposed to apply to computers with the matching serial number sticker which should be on it (typically in the most awkward part like the underside or back).

This is one reason why I've stuck with Win2K - I can reinstall as much as I want without having to have Microsoft on speed-dial.

This Windows Product Activation (WPA) on Windows XP article provides plenty of info including details of how WinXP decides it's re-activation time.
 
PHILIP1193 said:
thats a bit more like it then, im a home user and although i dont replace the mobo a lot i do like to replace it when new technology comes out that i think is worth trying, having to incorporate a new oem license into every mobo upgrade is surely going to make more of teh enthusiast community point toward pirated software ??

Phil

My wording on home users was abit vague - I dont mean home as in xp home, I mean as in consumers :)
 
I'm not going to pay those buggers a penny. Bill Gates is rich enough, so I will be a good boy and not talk about illegal activities on a public forum.
 
Done a fresh install of xp last week with my oem xp home,phoned up and got my id number no problem,ok it`s a pain to phone up all the time but they dont seem to mind.
 
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