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

Anonymous
2011-07-03T05:14:22+00:00

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?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

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Anonymous
2011-07-03T14:26:09+00:00

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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  1. Anonymous
    2011-07-07T06:46:22+00:00

    Neither of the pics there show the full pack - one because it's been opened, and the other just doesn't show the back of the pack (no real reason why it should).

    ALL OEM SB packs have the SB LIcense attached (or at least the link to it as on that sticker), until they are opened - any that don't are deemed by MS not to be genuine, as the SLT's form part of the requirements for the license to be valid.

    There is NO SUCH THING as an OEM pack that is not a System Builder pack, except for the Recovery disks produced by the direct OEMs

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-07-07T00:31:45+00:00

    I agree, Gerry....... but there are some reputable stores that I believe I can trust.

    I certainly wouldn't buy computer software on eBay or other auction sites. I only used links to eBay to illustrate the differences in the Win XP Home packaging.

    You may be interested to know that many of the ads on eBay are openly offering product keys for sale (delivered by email), without COA's. Now that is the most blatant thing I have seen, but clearly Microsoft either cannot or will not stop it - eBay certainly does nothing to stop it.

    If Microsoft was serious about enforcing its own rules, then these illegal sales would not be happening.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-07-06T23:43:07+00:00

    There are reputable stores and and reputable stores. In the UK there are stores which are reputable but I would not buy a computer from them. They compete on price not on product quality.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-07-06T22:50:45+00:00

    I'm glad you could see the pics this time.

    Do you now accept that there are indeed at least two different packages, and that the ones that myself and Daavee have been telling you about, do not mention System Builder or the SB license agreement?

    Is that label (on the other package) the piece of paper that you were adamant was included in all OEM packs?? If it was, then I cannot see how you can claim that it informs the buyer that they must comply with all the requirements of the SB license. It only says that the software may not be delivered unless accompanied by a piece of hardware. The fact that it mentions a system builder license is in my opinion, not sufficient to alert someone to the fact that they should be thoroughly checking the other conditions of that agreement (and complying with them).

    In any case, that is fairly irrelevant to what myself and Davee have been telling you. We both purchased kits in the second type of packaging (from reputable computer stores), which has absolutely no mention of "System Builder" or the SB license.

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