can I still use current Windows Xp?

[Coligeon]

I have a custom built computer and after about four years my motherboard
finally broke. When this happened, I wanted to make sure it was only the
motherboard and not the processor as well. I oringinally thought my CPU broke as well so, I borrowed my brothers CPU,
an AMD Duron. I put the CPU into my socket A motherboard and booted up and went straight to the bios to change the front side bus settings.
After that, I restarted and then the computer shut off. After this, I had had enough and then placed
the Duron back in my brothers computer. It no longer started either. So apparently my
motherboard messed that CPU up, as I thought I had the front side bus set correctly. Luckily,
my CPU, an Athlon 1600+ still was fine strangly (which was the processor in my computer), so I gave that to my
brother since I broke the Duron. Anyway, I finally bought a new motherboard and a new CPU. My
question to ask is after everything is hooked back up will I still be able to use my current copy of Windows XP? I'm wondering this because I know Microsoft is very strict about Windows XP and it only being used on one computer. I just want to make sure, as everything on my computer is the same, except I replaced the decfective motherboard and upgraded the CPU to a Sempron.

 

[tiap]

If it's an oem xp version it is supposed to die with the motherboard according to ms, but apparently a lot of people here get it activated by calling and saying it is only installed in one box. The retail version is no problem at all with changing any parts.

 

[Coligeon]

So my XP shouldn't even work right now then? I had no idea OEM Windows XP was like this. I was just triyng to save a few dollars by getting this version. So are you saying it won't be legal for me to use my current Windows XP then, even though I'm on the same computer? Like I said, it really is the same computer, I'm just replacing the defective motherboard and the CPU is being upgraded. I tried to ask Microsoft this question by email (which is supposed to be free the first two times), but after I type in my registration number I'm told I can't send an e-mail for free. This, apparently, is another problem from the OEM Windows I am guessing. *sigh,* thanks for the reply.

 

[kitkat22]

Coligeon,
You should be ok if you call Microsoft and tell them the situation. You will, however, probably have to reinstall the OS as the drivers for your new mobo will conflict with the previous version. I ran into the same issue a few years back. If Microsoft wants to be anal about the whole thing you can go out and purchase just the license for incredibly cheap.

 

[Kyle W]

Originally posted by: cscpianoman
Coligeon,
You should be ok if you call Microsoft and tell them the situation. You will, however, probably have to reinstall the OS as the drivers for your new mobo will conflict with the previous version. I ran into the same issue a few years back. If Microsoft wants to be anal about the whole thing you can go out and purchase just the license for incredibly cheap.

Where can you purchase the license? Also could you use the OEM Version on 2 computers if both had the same Motherboard?

 

[skyking]

one computer, one license.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: tiap
If it's an oem xp version it is supposed to die with the motherboard according to ms, but apparently a lot of people here get it activated by calling and saying it is only installed in one box. The retail version is no problem at all with changing any parts.

An OEM version is supposed to be tied to the HARDWARE, which may (and is in many cases) the motherboard. But the version (for example) I got with my SmartDisplay is tied to it (as long as I own it, my license for that copy is legal)

Bill

 

[NascarFool]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: tiap
If it's an oem xp version it is supposed to die with the motherboard according to ms, but apparently a lot of people here get it activated by calling and saying it is only installed in one box. The retail version is no problem at all with changing any parts.

An OEM version is supposed to be tied to the HARDWARE, which may (and is in many cases) the motherboard. But the version (for example) I got with my SmartDisplay is tied to it (as long as I own it, my license for that copy is legal)

Bill

Please show a link that says Win XP OEM is "tied" to the hardware .

 

[bsobel]

Please show a link that says Win XP OEM is "tied" to the hardware .

I'm not sure why it seems you want to start a fight about this (since this is the second thrad you've jumped in on this subject). I'm just telling you what is legally occuring. But if it's links you want then here is the OS License FAQ from Microsoft.

Relevent portions:

6. What is the difference between OEM product and Full-Packaged Product (FPP)?
ANSWER. OEM products are intended to be preinstalled on hardware before the end user purchases the product. They are ?shrink wrapped? and do not come in a box like the retail products do. Full-Packaged Product (FPP) is boxed with CD(s), manuals, and the EULA and is sold in retail stores in individual boxes. The End User License Agreements (commonly referred to as ?EULAs?) for OEM and FPP products are slightly different. One main difference is that an OEM operating system license (such as the license for Windows) cannot be transferred from its original PC to another PC. However, the FPP version of Windows may be transferred to another PC as long as the EULA, manual and media (such as the backup CD) accompany the transfer to the other PC. Also, when a customer purchases an OEM product, the OEM license requires the OEM to provide support for the product.

10. If I ?retire? a PC with an OEM license on it, can I use that software on a new PC?
ANSWER. No. To put it simply, OEM product is ?married? to the original PC on which it was installed. Current OEM licenses are not transferable from one machine to another. The software cannot be moved from PC to PC, even if the original PC it was installed on is no longer in use. This is true for all OEM software ? operating systems and applications

11. If I upgrade some of my PC components, do I have to purchase a new operating system?
ANSWER. The answer depends on the components that are upgraded or changed in the PC. The operating system licenses must remain with the device that retains the motherboard, chipsets, and chassis that include the serial number of the device. The operating system may be installed on a new/replacement hard drive as long as the operating system is first removed from the old hard drive. Please refer to the section on ?Modifications to hardware and how they affect the activation status of Windows XP? in the following link for a more detailed explanation regarding specific hardware changes. The same hardware component changes that can be made to a PC before requiring re-activation of Windows XP are the same changes that can be made before a PC is considered to be ?new? - and when a new license for OEM software is required.

Bill

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: bsobel
11. If I upgrade some of my PC components, do I have to purchase a new operating system?
ANSWER. The answer depends on the components that are upgraded or changed in the PC. The operating system licenses must remain with the device that retains the motherboard, chipsets, and chassis that include the serial number of the device. The operating system may be installed on a new/replacement hard drive as long as the operating system is first removed from the old hard drive. Please refer to the section on ?Modifications to hardware and how they affect the activation status of Windows XP? in the following link for a more detailed explanation regarding specific hardware changes. The same hardware component changes that can be made to a PC before requiring re-activation of Windows XP are the same changes that can be made before a PC is considered to be ?new? - and when a new license for OEM software is required.
Bill

Here's a simple solution, in order to be compliant to the letter of the OEM license - "The operating system licenses must remain with the device that retains the motherboard, chipsets, and chassis that include the serial number of the device."

Take a sticker, write the "serial number of the device" (any number, really) onto the "device" (sticker), and then attach it to your PC before installing the OEM version of the OS onto it. Thereafter, that "device" (the sticker), "retains the motherboard, chipsets, and chassis", "that include the serial number of the device".

If one needs to upgrade/repair/swap out that PC, and re-use that OEM OS copy, then one needs to both simply abide by - "The operating system may be installed on a new/replacement hard drive as long as the operating system is first removed from the old hard drive.", and to remove the sticker from the first, and re-attach it to the new PC, thus the same "device", with the same "serial number", is thus "retaining" the "motherboard, chipsets, and chassis".

Easy! Hope this helps some people in the future, in retaining the use of their lawfully-purchased MS software products.