Can I continue to use Windows XP OEM if I change only the motherboard in my computer?

Thanks, Daavee

I do have a generic OEM XP CD. It isn't specific to any brand. In fact, it was me who built the system in the first place (I don't do it for a living, but I know enough about it to be confident with the physical process) - so I really don't care about continuing support from the system builder, because there never was any third party support to start with.

As long as I will be allowed to reactivate, I don't really see any problem with doing it for my own private use.

My personal opinion is that I will not be creating a new PC, because the computer will continue to be used (by me) for the exact same purposes as previously, and not on-sold for a profit.

No, the same key must be used.

If you have a branded OEM installation CD, you may very well have a problem. For instance, if the OEM locked the installation routine on the CD with the CMOS chip on the motherboard, you're likely SOL. (This has to do with the point that OEMs get to decide what they will and will not support.)

However, if you have a generic OEM XP CD (like a System Builders disk), simply use the key that came with the disk. If it doesn't activate automatically over the Internet (which is a possibility), follow the automatic prompts when you dial the telephone number provided.

Your additional information is interesting, Daavee.

However, when Microsoft says "will require re-activation", does it mean that the OS needs to be re-activated with a new key because the old one won't work any more???

Do you know for a fact that Windows XP OEM can be re-activated with the old key in the case of a replaced motherboard?

Thank you for posting that, Noel. But I would like to respectfully disagree.

First of all, the EULA is the agreement and nothing else matters. The XP EULA states very clearly that the license cannot be transferred to another PC. That is certainly true.

However, NOWHERE in the EULA does it say that changing the motherboard equals creating a new PC. It is up to the OEM or PC builder -- not Micorosft -- as to what constitutes a new PC and whether or not their agreements to support PCs they sell are changed or not.

The quote you supplied only says:

"The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC."

and

"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. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it."

Microsoft is merely offering their opinion on what an OEM may or may be expected to do with respect to support. That is all!

This discussion has cropped up a number of times in the old newsgroups. I do find it interesting. The bottom line is the EULA never mentions that an OEM version of XP can no longer be used in the same PC in the event the motherboard is changed. It is perfectly legal to upgrade to a new/better motherboard; it does not go against the license agreement.

In another thread, Ken Blake offered up this interesting morsel, originating from none other than Microsoft:

"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."

(I am aware this references Vista and not XP.)