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

Anonymous

I am running Windows XP Home OEM on my computer.

I still have the original disk and key, and the COA is attached to the case of the computer, as required.

If I only change the motherboard, and retain the existing harddrive (with the original Windows XP home installed on it), will Windows XP Home OEM continue to work?

Is there any special procedure required, or will it just work?

If not, can it be reactivated? If not, do I have to buy a new copy of Windows XP and activate with the new key?

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Anonymous

It's actually in the OEM License rather the EULA.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/licensing_faq.aspx

<quote>

Q. Can a PC with an OEM Windows operating system have its motherboard upgraded and keep the same license? What if it was replaced because it was defective?

A. Generally, an end user can upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on a computer—except the motherboard—and still retain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect, then a new computer has been created. Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred to the new computer, and the license of new operating system software is required. If the motherboard is replaced because it is defective, you do not need to acquire a new operating system license for the PC as long as the replacement motherboard is the same make/model or the same manufacturer's replacement/equivalent, as defined by the manufacturer's warranty.

The reason for this licensing rule primarily relates to the End User Software License Terms and the support of the software covered by that End User Software License Terms. The End User Software License Terms is a set of usage rights granted to the end user by the PC manufacturer and relates only to rights for that software as installed on that particular PC. The system builder is required to support the software on the original PC. Understanding that end users, over time, upgrade their PCs with different components, Microsoft needed to have one base component "left standing" that would still define the 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. The original system builder did not manufacture this new PC, and therefore cannot be expected to support it.

</quote>

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67 additional answers

Anonymous

2011-07-05T22:26:20+00:00

Just looked. And it's just as I remembered.

I have two of these CDs. They are generic OEM XP installation CDs. The first is at the SP2 level. It is a holographic CD (Part Number X10-59483) and comes with a COA which includes a unique Product ID. The COA sticker has that red metallic strip than runs through the middle. The UPC code on the COA sticker is 80043-435-569-890. The second one is the same but at the SP3 level. The part number of the holographic CD is X14-73422. I purchased these CDs (both shrink-wrapped) several years ago at a reputable PC store for full price. They look just like this image:

http://www.supplierlist.com/photo_images/151423/Microsoft_WINDOWS_XP_PRO_Professional_SP2_OEM_with_COA.jpg

but instead of being blue (which is for XP Pro), the booklets are green (which is for XP Home).

Nowhere on these CDs or the packets that accompany them does it have the term "System Builder." There is no SLT. It does say "For distribution only with a new PC." You can purchase your own parts and assemble your own "new" PC and purchase that particular installation CD and stay within the bounds of the EULA as long as you do not ever use it on another PC. Again, the agreement by defintion is the End User License Agreement. When I installed it, that is what I agreed to. It activated without a problem. Every time I use Windows Update and run WGA, there is never a problem. I am absolutely sure these are genuine (the other is on my sister-in-law's PC) and not pirated versions.
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Anonymous

2011-07-05T22:43:21+00:00

Can you please let me in on the secret, Noel?

Exactly where on the packaging of the OEM pack, is there ANY REFERENCE to the words "System Builder", or the "SB SLT" (whatever that means)?

I have no reason to believe that my OEM pack is anything other than a genuine product. The COA looks genuine (it is holographic) and the disk looks genuine (it is also holographic). The kit consists of a booklet, a disk, and a COA sticker. The part number is X08-48123. It was not in a cardboard box like the retail kit. It was sealed in clear plastic. The booklet says "Version 2002" and the disk has a sticker saying "Includes Service Pack 1" (I have since updated to Service Pack 2 from a genuine Microsoft update CD I had already used on another computer, and then to Service Pack 3 online).

When I installed Windows XP Home, I was only asked to agree to the EULA conditions, which I did.

At no time, and in no way was I made aware of the existence of the "SB SLT".

The ONLY OTHER INDICATION that this is an OEM pack is a red strip along the spine edge of the front page of the booklet which says "For distribution only with a new PC".

If I click on "My Computer / Properties", under "Registered to:", there is a string of numbers which includes the letters "OEM".
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Anonymous

2011-07-05T23:00:36+00:00

There is no reference to the words System Builder on the pretty coloured pack - the System Builder SLT's are on a piece of paper that is on top of the pack inside the shrink-wrap, so that it's visible before you open the pack. Once you open the shrink-wrap you are deemed to have accepted those SLT's

The OEM EULA/SLT for end users is (IIRC) only on the disk, and must be either read from that, or (when installed properly, according to MS's instrictions) at first boot of the PC during the OOBE.

Any hologrammed OS DIsk from MS that states 'Only for installation on a new PC' on it is an OEM System Builder disk (likewise the packaging).

Note that 'direct OEMs' like Dell and Toshiba, etc, also supply disks with 'Only for installation on a new PC' on them - but they are NOT hologrammed (or if they are, they are the company's own hologram, not MS's).

From your desription, it's obvious that you have an OEM System Builder pack
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Anonymous

2011-07-05T23:09:10+00:00
If I click on "My Computer / Properties", under "Registered to:", there is a string of numbers which includes the letters "OEM".

Sorry - missed this point....

The OEM in the Prodict ID (which is what you are referring to) doesn't tell us which type of OEM Key is in use - there are a number of types.....
1. OEM_SLP - this is the one which most PC's from direct OEM's ship with - it's a generic one which cannot be activated either by phoneof over the internet, but is self-activated by a SLIC table in the machine's BIOS. This is unique to a manufacturer (and possibly to a model or line)
2. COA_SLP - this is the 'spare' one that ALL machines shipped from direct OEM's have - the one on the COA sticker attached to the machine at the factory. This is unique to a machine.
3. COA_NSLP - this is the OEM System Builder Key on your COA sticker
All the above will give a Key with -OEM- as the second group in the PID.

The easiest tool to use to tell which you have, is the MGADiag tool
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