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

As I posted earlier in the thread....

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>

I am also thinking of getting out of the money hungry MS tighting crip.One of the richest co. in the world that based the internet as being free and fighting to keep it that way and won our trust to creating and using any loop hole to get money out of its customers. We pay a great amount of money every month for the internet. A lot of concren from many I know feel the same way. MS I hope you are working to fix the reputation you are creating because im sure there are many little genus minds working to create a cheaper internet. With the way the economy is your pricing the industry right out of your own loop holes. More and more people will be looking for another way even if we stop using it altogether.

What if the needed motherboard is a used replacement. That should mean its not creating a new computer. I just bought a used motherboard to replace one that went bad.I bought it at a used computer and repair shop. They were confident the os would not be an issue new or used.

Good Luck! - which whichever route yo end up going down.