Microsoft License Options

[b4u]

Hi,

I've bought a computer some time ago to be a server. It was bought with a Windows 2000 Server OEM license, so that everything would be legal.

Now the computer just crashed, and it seemed a better option to purchase a new one. Now here comes the license problem about Windows 2000 OEM, can I still use it in the new computer? I mean it seems to be a logical approach, but on the other end, it also seems logical that an OEM license should be used on the computer with which it was purchased in the first place.

So if someone changes computer, must he purchase another OEM versions of the software?

Thanks

 

[Genx87]

Technically that OS is tied to the hardware. However if you call and explain the situation they may allow you to transfer it to the replacement.

 

[TG2]

There is no activation on Windows 2000 Server, so theres no call needed to MS to get it on another computer.

Legally, its tied to the mobo that it was installed on 1st, but if that ones dead and being parted/scrapped, I have no problem putting it on other hardware.

 

[Nothinman]

Legally, its tied to the mobo that it was installed on 1st, but if that ones dead and being parted/scrapped, I have no problem putting it on other hardware.

You may have no problems doing it, but that doesn't make it legal.

 

[b4u]

Originally posted by: Nothinman

Legally, its tied to the mobo that it was installed on 1st, but if that ones dead and being parted/scrapped, I have no problem putting it on other hardware.

You may have no problems doing it, but that doesn't make it legal.

Exactly the problem here ... I want to make sure everything is legal, or else I wouldn't splash $1000 on software.

To be illegal, I would rather prefer to install illegit software.

What can a person do if they buy $3000 OEM software to a machine, and the mobo crashes? I mean I cannot find the same brand/model right now, and it's a better option to refresh the hardware for something more actual. The price isn't that much if I can use the existing licenses ... which I would.

 

[Nothinman]

What can a person do if they buy $3000 OEM software to a machine, and the mobo crashes? I mean I cannot find the same brand/model right now, and it's a better option to refresh the hardware for something more actual. The price isn't that much if I can use the existing licenses ... which I would.

It's hard to say, most people who get OEM licenses properly get them from an OEM that is paid to support the hardware (i.e. HP, Dell, IBM, etc) so when something liket his dies it's obvious whether the license is still good or not because they usually ship you a replacement part and you move on. If it's out of warranty and you can't get a replacement you're only real option is to be sure if you're legal or not is to call MS and ask them. They have a toll free number for licensing questions, don't they?