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
    2011-07-06T14:49:44+00:00

    Heh! - the second one is interesting, in that the license is not transerable under any circumstances, except with the computer on which it is installed - so the seller is hoping that whoever buys it can't be bothered to complain.

    As for the first one, if you expand one of the pictures off a link, you get here....

    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=170663605470

    where there is a label on the package which DOES mention System Builder -  "This OEM software may not be delivered unless accompanied by the required hardware under the Microsoft System Builder License located at http://www.microsoft.com/sblicense. End User support is the responsibility of the installer of this software"

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-07-06T09:39:13+00:00

    Thanks, Noel

    I couldn't get the links to SkyDrive working properly, so I'm including a couple of links to eBay.

    Here are the links to the two different pack types I am aware of....

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/windows-xp-home-edition-Microsoft-sp2-brand-new-sealed-/220805430674?pt=AU_software&hash=item3369077d92

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Microsoft-Windows-XP-Home-Edition-Service-Pack-2-/330584553466?pt=AU_software&hash=item4cf85ff7fa

    The second one is the same as my OEM pack. The disk is glued on the back of the booklet, and the COA sticker is on the shrinkwrap cover (also on the back). There is no mention of  "system builder" or the OEM license documentation.

    The first pack has the booklet side-by-side with the disk and the COA sticker. I do not own one of these packs, but it may be the type you have been referring to.

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-07-06T06:14:33+00:00

    That is all perfectly normal for a WInXP installation - probably from an ealy-ish disk, as activation types have changed over the years.

    This forum allows the use of links, but not the direct attachment of files - it's easier to put any files or images up on your SkyDrive (or other files-sharing site) and include a lnik to them in posts.

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  4. Anonymous
    2011-07-05T23:44:33+00:00

    He's being stubborn, Gaz. I believe you. I bought two sealed, brand new XP Home OEM CDs from a reputable PC store and neither have this SB SLT, either.

    Sometimes, you need to know when to cut your losses and stop trying to be reasonable with a person who is hellbent on not really listening to you for whatever reason.

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