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
    2011-09-01T05:26:12+00:00

    "But the reality is if the gatekeepers won't cooperate, it doesn't really matter."

    Spot on, Daavee....

    I intend to continue using Microsoft products only as long as my existing licenses last.

    Linux is looking better and better........

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-09-01T04:16:39+00:00

    I understand. A while ago someone on one of these forums upgraded his motherboard and automatic Internet activation didn't occur. He eventually got a live person who was cooperative, but I have heard stories where other techs refuse to activate.

    Technically, one can make the argument that upgrading a motherboard does not mean the PC is entirely different, and they might very well win in a court of law. But the reality is if the gatekeepers won't cooperate, it doesn't really matter. Of course, if the EULA spelled these things out, there would be no confusion. Interestingly, none other than Microsoft, Inc. has said that one is entitled to upgrade a motherboard without affecting the license:

    "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."

    From this page (in 2007):

    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/activationfaq.mspx

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-09-01T04:02:19+00:00

    When I purchased the generic OEM CD of XP Home three years ago, the company insisted on throwing in a mouse (I guess this satisfied the "computer system component" part of the EULA...). So I suppose Microsoft has nothing to do with anything and this agreement I agreed to is between the mouse manufacturer and me.

    Ridiculous!

    Furthermore, this language really presupposes that all OEM licenses are branded OEM situations like Dell, HP, Sony, etc. as they are the ones that use COA stickers that are already attached to the PC cases. When you buy a generic OEM CD of WIndows, you get a COA, but of course, it is not affixed to anything!

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