Using someone's else installation disk w/ my own CD-key.

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Patrick Wolf since your license is being used on a different motherboard than it was licensed to, it looks like you've busted your license agreement, regardless of whether Microsoft is accepting your reasons for reactivation. If you want to be legally compliant, you could get a new license.

I'd suggest a retail license, not OEM, so that you can re-use it with new motherboards, over and over, without breaking your compliance. Yeah, they cost more... but you said you don't want to do anything illegal, so it might be cheaper in the long run than buying OEM WinXP Home over and over as you get new motherboards.

HTH

So what then, the OEM WinXP Pro licenses I just bought, once I install them on a system, they are permanently tied to that specific motherboard? Peachy.
I sense a new trend in FS/T: WinXP Pro OEM discs will still be sold with a piece of hardware: a motherboard.

So WinXP Pro Retail is $300. What's Vista going to cost? $500?

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Here's some intersting reading. Taken from Microsoft.com

Myths of Product Activation.

Product activation is an invasion of privacy.
Microsoft absolutely respects the privacy of its customers and does not ask for any personally identifiable information to activate a product. Product Activation is completely anonymous.


So it's anonymous, but you are still requiring information about the make and model of my PC.
To ensure the end user's privacy, Microsoft uses a one-way mathematical algorithm to create the hardware hash used by Product Activation to create the Installation ID. Once created, the hash information cannot be calculated back to its original values. Hardware information is sent through the algorithm in the software on the PC-not at Microsoft-to create the hash. The raw hardware information is not known or sent to Microsoft. Ensuring end user privacy is a No. 1 design goal for Microsoft with Product Activation.

Product Activation keeps users from changing or upgrading their hardware.
Not true at all. Users can change or upgrade their hardware. Those who upgrade their PC's hardware substantially may be asked to reactivate. Reactivation for this reason is easy and can be completed by contacting Microsoft to obtain another confirmation ID.

 

[wfox45]

Well there you have it. It's over my head but thats there method of creating Installation ID through mathematical algorithms creating a Hardware/Software hash used in product Activation. That is specific to that computer. Ya!

So it's anonymous, but you are still requiring information about the make and model of my PC.
To ensure the end user's privacy, Microsoft uses a one-way mathematical algorithm to create the hardware hash used by Product Activation to create the Installation ID. Once created, the hash information cannot be calculated back to its original values. Hardware information is sent through the algorithm in the software on the PC-not at Microsoft-to create the hash. The raw hardware information is not known or sent to Microsoft. Ensuring end user privacy is a No. 1 design goal for Microsoft with Product Activation.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: wfox45
Well there you have it. It's over my head but thats there method of creating Installation ID through mathematical algorithms creating a Hardware/Software hash used in product Activation. That is specific to that computer. Ya!

So it's anonymous, but you are still requiring information about the make and model of my PC.
To ensure the end user's privacy, Microsoft uses a one-way mathematical algorithm to create the hardware hash used by Product Activation to create the Installation ID. Once created, the hash information cannot be calculated back to its original values. Hardware information is sent through the algorithm in the software on the PC-not at Microsoft-to create the hash. The raw hardware information is not known or sent to Microsoft. Ensuring end user privacy is a No. 1 design goal for Microsoft with Product Activation.

You were right about that, but not about that information being sent to Microsoft. "The raw hardware information is not known or sent to Microsoft. Ensuring end user privacy is a No. 1 design goal for Microsoft with Product Activation."

So if all they say is true, there is no way Microsoft will know if you give me a copy of your installation disk, nor would they really care since I have my own legitimate CD-Key.

But if you insist on being a stubborn old fart, I'll just go to T&C Computers since I worked there for a time, I'm sure they wouldn't mine giving me a copy seeing as they already have a dozen copies that they use when re-installing XP on the machines they service.

 

[kylef]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
So what then, the OEM WinXP Pro licenses I just bought, once I install them on a system, they are permanently tied to that specific motherboard? Peachy.
I sense a new trend in FS/T: WinXP Pro OEM discs will still be sold with a piece of hardware: a motherboard.

This is the way Microsoft OEM licensing works. OEM software is tied to a particular computer. Obviously the line has to be drawn somewhere, or else people would continuously "upgrade" their computer until it shared nothing in common with the original OEM model.

The OEM license defines the "computer" to mean the system motherboard. Other system components can be replaced and/or upgraded, but swapping the motherboard for reasons other than a "flaw" constitutes a new system, requiring a new license.

I personally don't necessarily agree with this licensing policy, but Patrick specifically asked about legality, so I am trying to help explain.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: kylef

Originally posted by: Jeff7
So what then, the OEM WinXP Pro licenses I just bought, once I install them on a system, they are permanently tied to that specific motherboard? Peachy.
I sense a new trend in FS/T: WinXP Pro OEM discs will still be sold with a piece of hardware: a motherboard.

This is the way Microsoft OEM licensing works. OEM software is tied to a particular computer. Obviously the line has to be drawn somewhere, or else people would continuously "upgrade" their computer until it shared nothing in common with the original OEM model.

The OEM license defines the "computer" to mean the system motherboard. Other system components can be replaced and/or upgraded, but swapping the motherboard for reasons other than a "flaw" constitutes a new system, requiring a new license.

I personally don't necessarily agree with this licensing policy, but Patrick specifically asked about legality, so I am trying to help explain.

But why on Earth would anyone buy a new license every time they upgrade to a new motherboard? No one would unless they had plently of money and strictly go "by the book", no matter how stupid it sounds.

Show of hands; how many of you have an OEM XP disk/CD-Key, and use them to install XP whenever you upgrade your motherboad-if you formatted your HD that is? It works, so no one ever says anything about it.

 

[kylef]

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf
Show of hands; how many of you have an OEM XP disk/CD-Key, and use them to install XP whenever you upgrade your motherboad-if you formatted your HD that is? It works, so no one ever says anything about it.

Most people who replace a motherboard probably built the computer from scratch, so they had to purchase their own license of Windows separately. If they chose the OEM version, then yes they may have ended up in this situation if they subsequently upgraded their motherboard. (Although these OEM license terms are fairly well known at this point I think.)

But many people buy the retail version of Windows when building a PC from scratch. And that license can be moved from PC to PC without issue. So I don't think the problem you are describing is necessarily the default amongst the "home-built PC crowd."

Very few people replace their motherboard, and even fewer try to do it on an OEM system, like in your situation. So I doubt Microsoft has even attempted to prevent such activity.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: kylef

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf
Show of hands; how many of you have an OEM XP disk/CD-Key, and use them to install XP whenever you upgrade your motherboad-if you formatted your HD that is? It works, so no one ever says anything about it.

Most people who replace a motherboard probably built the computer from scratch, so they had to purchase their own license of Windows separately. If they chose the OEM version, then yes they may have ended up in this situation if they subsequently upgraded their motherboard. (Although these OEM license terms are fairly well known at this point I think.)

But many people buy the retail version of Windows when building a PC from scratch. And that license can be moved from PC to PC without issue. So I don't think the problem you are describing is necessarily the default amongst the "home-built PC crowd."

Very few people replace their motherboard, and even fewer try to do it on an OEM system, like in your situation. So I doubt Microsoft has even attempted to prevent such activity.

Hmmm, interesting. Well, is it illegal to install the OEM version each time a new motherboard is installed, is there s fine or anything? When buying OEM from online retailers it doesn't say anything about these rules, and Microsoft sure doesn't make this very clear on their site.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: kylef

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf
Show of hands; how many of you have an OEM XP disk/CD-Key, and use them to install XP whenever you upgrade your motherboad-if you formatted your HD that is? It works, so no one ever says anything about it.

Most people who replace a motherboard probably built the computer from scratch, so they had to purchase their own license of Windows separately. If they chose the OEM version, then yes they may have ended up in this situation if they subsequently upgraded their motherboard. (Although these OEM license terms are fairly well known at this point I think.)

But many people buy the retail version of Windows when building a PC from scratch. And that license can be moved from PC to PC without issue. So I don't think the problem you are describing is necessarily the default amongst the "home-built PC crowd."

Very few people replace their motherboard, and even fewer try to do it on an OEM system, like in your situation. So I doubt Microsoft has even attempted to prevent such activity.

But how big of a market is the build-from-scratch crowd? It's like the enthusiast market to a big company - we exist, but we're not really all that much of a concern because there just aren't that many of us.

With Windows, shouldn't it be more than grossly profitable enough to have each person buy one license of the software and be done with it? Soon the next Windows release will roll around, and everyone'll have to buy that then too. Making people buy a new license for each motherboard...come on. The word "greed" comes to mind here.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: Jeff7

Originally posted by: kylef

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf
Show of hands; how many of you have an OEM XP disk/CD-Key, and use them to install XP whenever you upgrade your motherboad-if you formatted your HD that is? It works, so no one ever says anything about it.

Most people who replace a motherboard probably built the computer from scratch, so they had to purchase their own license of Windows separately. If they chose the OEM version, then yes they may have ended up in this situation if they subsequently upgraded their motherboard. (Although these OEM license terms are fairly well known at this point I think.)

But many people buy the retail version of Windows when building a PC from scratch. And that license can be moved from PC to PC without issue. So I don't think the problem you are describing is necessarily the default amongst the "home-built PC crowd."

Very few people replace their motherboard, and even fewer try to do it on an OEM system, like in your situation. So I doubt Microsoft has even attempted to prevent such activity.

But how big of a market is the build-from-scratch crowd? It's like the enthusiast market to a big company - we exist, but we're not really all that much of a concern because there just aren't that many of us.

With Windows, shouldn't it be more than grossly profitable enough to have each person buy one license of the software and be done with it? Soon the next Windows release will roll around, and everyone'll have to buy that then too. Making people buy a new license for each motherboard...come on. The word "greed" comes to mind here.

Yeah. Text

It says here:
Another common misconception is that you can transfer a preinstalled or OEM copy of Windows from an "old" machine to a new machine. An OEM software license may not be transferred from and old machine to a new machine?even if that machine is no longer in use. The OEM license is tied to the machine on which it was originally installed and can't be transferred to other machines.

But they don't say that the OEM license will not work on the new machine and that it's illegal, they simply say you may not do it. Unless they mean using the license on a new machine when at the same time it's in use on the old machine? I don't know.

 

[kylef]

My gut feeling (and current precedent supports my feeling) is that Microsoft would never sue people like yourself for replacing their motherboard and re-using their OEM CD after the fact.

First, it's not a common scenario in the grand scheme of things, so Microsoft is simply not losing much revenue from this practice. Second, if Microsoft were to go after such hobbyists, the resulting PR would be resoundingly negative and would probably cause the entire OEM license to be changed, which is not in Microsoft's best interests.

IMO, Microsoft is much more worried about out-and-out piracy. For instance, take China, where 50+ million computers run Windows and yet fewer than 1% of these systems have valid licenses. The rest are hacked copies which can be purchased on the street for less than $1. These people are using Microsoft software and have NEVER paid for it, and have no intention to do so.

So I'm not telling you that your situation is OK, because according to the letter of the license it's not. But I doubt you (or hobby computer-modders like yourself) need to worry about getting in trouble for "license abuse" unless things change dramatically in the much more serious piracy situation.

 

[Jeff7]

But they don't say that the OEM license will not work on the new machine and that it's illegal, they simply say you may not do it. Unless they mean using the license on a new machine when at the same time it's in use on the old machine? I don't know.

Sure, it'll install just fine. But it probably won't let you activate it.

First, it's not a common scenario in the grand scheme of things, so Microsoft is simply not losing much revenue from this practice. Second, if Microsoft were to go after such hobbyists, the resulting PR would be resoundingly negative and would probably cause the entire OEM license to be changed, which is not in Microsoft's best interests.

IMO, Microsoft is much more worried about out-and-out piracy. For instance, take China, where 50+ million computers run Windows and yet fewer than 1% of these systems have valid licenses. The rest are hacked copies which can be purchased on the street for less than $1. These people are using Microsoft software and have NEVER paid for it, and have no intention to do so.

I guess if they piss off the enthusiasts, we can have a loud voice, and negative reviews from "the experts" isn't a good thing for any business.

Second, ok, China - major abuse over there. Focus on them and stop screwing over the casual user here who wants to try to do the honest thing and get a license, but still have more than 25 cents left in the bank at the end of it.


Issue it comes down to: I'll admit, I'm not running a legit version of Windows. However I did recently purchase an OEM license of WinXP Pro (two in fact, one for my laptop and one for my PC, I love them thaaat much. My concern though: I've got a flaky power supply, and possibly a flaky motherboard. So if when I go home for the summer and install this brand new OEM WinXP on my PC, and then a month later find that I should get a new motherboard, I don't want to find "Oh sorry, your month-old WinXP license is now as useless as the motherboard it's married to. Now go buy another one. MmmMMmm, money."
So yeah, I'mma bad boy, but I'm trying to make it right now, without going entirely broke.

 

[kylef]

Originally posted by: Jeff7
My concern though: I've got a flaky power supply, and possibly a flaky motherboard. So if when I go home for the summer and install this brand new OEM WinXP on my PC, and then a month later find that I should get a new motherboard, I don't want to find "Oh sorry, your month-old WinXP license is now as useless as the motherboard it's married to. Now go buy another one. MmmMMmm, money."

The wording of the license, as I understand it, specifically exempts motherboard changes due to "flaws". And I would expect that, even if they did develop some kind of a tool to track motherboard changes (which I think is unlikely), they would specifically make exceptions for people who state that their motherboard died and had to be replaced.

In the worst case I can realistically imagine, you would have to call an 800 number and explain the situation, much like what happens today when you use your XP activation key too many times. From what I understand, the operators give users wide latitude unless the key is being obviously abused.

But in reality, this type of situation is not likely to attract attention. If you have replaced your whole system not due to flaws but due to lack of features and/or performance (i.e., it's getting old) and yet you continue to use your old OEM Windows license, then you are in violation of the OEM license. But nothing is likely to happen to you as a result.

 

[domllama]

I didn't read everyone's essays on this issue lol.. It should work- mos def- but if you own a copy of the disk..more power to you.

Dom

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: wfox45
Hi just a note. I'm reading the writing on my Windows XP Home edition with service pack 2. It reads "Do not lend or make illegal copies of this software".

OK, but what harm would it do to give me a copy and let me activate it with my legit CD-Key? I mean really, your taking that statement much to seriously. Microsoft or the FBI will not track you down and sue you. It's not like I'm going to install your copy and than apply some cracks to bypass the activation. That's mainly who that statement is for, people who intend to use the software illegally, or distribute it for illegal purposes. I'm not going to use it illegally or distribute it, I have my own legitmate CD-Key that I can use for activation.

Try to think outside the box once and while, ok dad?

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: wfox45
Who knows but microsoft. Maybe when you installed your original Allienware enhanced operating system it then assigned itself to that motherboard? If anyone knows for sure it would be the techs at microsoft. They provide our operating systems they hold all the cards and are smarter then us and are getting smarter. They are not anyone to mess with.

No my Alienware XP disk was not assigned to the motherboard. That wouldn't even be possible with the motherboard they gave me. They're apparently not as smart as you think if millions of people in other countties are using illegal copies of XP everyday.

Seriously, you need help, you need to grow and expand out of that little shell you live in where everything is set in stone. As before, "Think outside the box.". Use common sense with what you know is fact, and than add some imagination and logic. Get a grip damn you!

 

[wfox45]

Ok! I've thought outside of the box before and you now where it got me an 8X10 box with time and fines that I'm still recovering from. I think you are all missing the point again I will read you what it reads on the disk. DO NOT LEND OR MAKE ILLEGEL COPIES OF THIS SOFTWARE. Do you think they put that on there for the Chine's and the rest of us well it's just ok to ignore that because where more honest and we sit around and justify our illegal actions because microsofts end user aggreements are to vague and leave us with unsure ethical reasoning to violate copy right laws. Further more I have offered to purchase a copy for your mostly rebuilt computer. I don't thing I'm the one here who is being unreasonable and immature.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: wfox45
Ok! I've thought outside of the box before and you now where it got me an 8X10 box with time and fines that I'm still recovering from. I think you are all missing the point again I will read you what it reads on the disk. DO NOT LEND OR MAKE ILLEGEL COPIES OF THIS SOFTWARE. Do you think they put that on there for the Chine's and the rest of us well it's just ok to ignore that because where more honest and we sit around and justify our illegal actions because microsofts end user aggreements are to vague and leave us with unsure ethical reasoning to violate copy right laws. Further more I have offered to purchase a copy for your mostly rebuilt computer. I don't thing I'm the one here who is being unreasonable and immature.

You think wrong, as usual about computer stuff. Gail has a GENUINE XP disk too, hers only says "Do not make illegal copies of this disk." Doesn't say anything about lending.

I know what your problem is, everytime you think about copying the disk, a voice inside your head keeps saying, "It's wrong." "It's illegal." "I could get in trouble." - your natural instinct. You need to stop listening to that voice and replace it with clear logic and reasoning. I have already explained that what we are doing is technically illegal, but Microsoft is not going to know because they track the license/CD-Key, not the software.

Your are being TOO ethical about this. You offered to install XP on my computer using your Genuine XP disk, that is also illegal, because it's the exact same thing as if I used a copy of your XP disk to install windows. If Microsoft did track software, they would find out your copy of XP was installed on my computer and you / I may get in trouble.

Again, I have my OWN CD-KEY, in this case SOFTWARE DOES NOT MATTER>

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf
<snip> Microsoft is not going to know </snip>

I work for Microsoft.

- M4H

 

[mechBgon]

Again, I have my OWN CD-KEY, in this case SOFTWARE DOES NOT MATTER>

If your CD key came from an OEM license, which is what the Alienware one would be, then it's not valid after you replace the motherboard, by Microsoft's policy. You are demonstrating truly amazing powers of rationalization but it doesn't change this. Consult your End User License Agreement, section 1.2. Bottom line, it's nothing money can't fix. Be grateful you live in the wealthiest country in the world, with healthy food, safe water, good medical care and a computer that would be beyond a dream for many people in this world. If the worst thing that ever happens in your life is OMG you must buy a software license, you have nothing to be griping about.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf
<snip> Microsoft is not going to know </snip>

I work for Microsoft.

- M4H

Uh oh :Q. But you don't know me. HA! "Can't touch this NA na na na!". :laugh:

According to you guys, I'm violating my license aggreement, I have about 3 times now (3 different motherboards). So what [can] you gonna do about it?

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Again, I have my OWN CD-KEY, in this case SOFTWARE DOES NOT MATTER>

If your CD key came from an OEM license, which is what the Alienware one would be, then it's not valid after you replace the motherboard, by Microsoft's policy. You are demonstrating truly amazing powers of rationalization but it doesn't change this. Consult your End User License Agreement, section 1.2. Bottom line, it's nothing money can't fix. Be grateful you live in the wealthiest country in the world, with healthy food, safe water, good medical care and a computer that would be beyond a dream for many people in this world. If the worst thing that ever happens in your life is OMG you must buy a software license, you have nothing to be griping about.

I'm the exception to the End User License Agreement. Buyer turned builder. I don't know where to find the End User License Agreement for OEM XP, but does it say anything about upgrading your computer? Does it specifically say that if you upgrade your motherboard you have to buy a new license, even though the license you have now will still work and we won't find out cause none of that information is sent to Microsoft?

The only difference between the OEM version and the retail version is this:

1. Retail version comes in a fancy box. OEM does not.
2. Retail version contains a printed manual. OEM comes with an instruction booklet.
3. Customers who purchase the retail version are eligible for tech support from Microsoft.
4. Retail version offers the option to do a "Quick Install" or a "Clean Install." OEM version offers the "Clean Install" option only. However, performing a "Clean Install" is HIGHLY recommended.
5. The OEM version costs approximately $100-$150 less than the retail version.

So even if your building from scratch, what's the point in paying $100-$150 more for something you don't need?

Where is the absolute specifics on this stuff, every little detail and scenario. Is one of the richest company in the world that greedy; to make you buy a new license with every motherboard upgrade?

BTW, I bolded the part in your quote that is questionable. And not everyone in this country has money to waste on unnecessary things. Especially something so menial and stupid as this. I'm only 18, I don't exactly have a bank account full of $$$ to burn.

MORE INFO:
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.

 

[Patrick Wolf]

Crap, here it is:

Rather than purchase completely new PCs, my organization performs in-place upgrades to the hardware on many of our computers. We often times only replace the motherboard, processor, and memory. Since the COA is still on the case and the OS is still installed on the hard drive, this computer is still licensed, right?
ANSWER.  Generally, you may upgrade or replace all of the hardware components on your computer and maintain the license for the original Microsoft OEM operating system software, with the exception of an upgrade or replacement of the motherboard. An upgrade of the motherboard is considered to result in a "new personal computer." Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from one computer to another. Therefore, if the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect then a new computer has been created, the original license expires, and a new full operating system license (not upgrade) is required. This is true even if the computer is covered under Software Assurance or other Volume License programs.

Yeah, so what? My OEM CD-Key still works and no one has come knocking at my door. What kind of a dumbass rule is that anyway?

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.

http://microsoft.com/piracy/basics/acti...tactivationtechnicalmarketbulletin.doc -Doesn't exist? WTF? That's just perfect.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Patrick Wolf

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Again, I have my OWN CD-KEY, in this case SOFTWARE DOES NOT MATTER>

If your CD key came from an OEM license, which is what the Alienware one would be, then it's not valid after you replace the motherboard, by Microsoft's policy. You are demonstrating truly amazing powers of rationalization but it doesn't change this. Consult your End User License Agreement, section 1.2. Bottom line, it's nothing money can't fix. Be grateful you live in the wealthiest country in the world, with healthy food, safe water, good medical care and a computer that would be beyond a dream for many people in this world. If the worst thing that ever happens in your life is OMG you must buy a software license, you have nothing to be griping about.

I'm the exception to the End User License Agreement. Buyer turned builder. I don't know where to find the End User License Agreement for OEM XP, but does it say anything about upgrading your computer? Does it specifically say that if you upgrade your motherboard you have to buy a new license, even though the license you have now will still work and we won't find out cause none of that information is sent to Microsoft?

The only difference between the OEM version and the retail version is this:

1. Retail version comes in a fancy box. OEM does not.
2. Retail version contains a printed manual. OEM comes with an instruction booklet.
3. Customers who purchase the retail version are eligible for tech support from Microsoft.
4. Retail version offers the option to do a "Quick Install" or a "Clean Install." OEM version offers the "Clean Install" option only. However, performing a "Clean Install" is HIGHLY recommended.
5. The OEM version costs approximately $100-$150 less than the retail version.

So even if your building from scratch, what's the point in paying $100-$150 more for something you don't need?

Where is the absolute specifics on this stuff, every little detail and scenario. Is one of the richest company in the world that greedy; to make you buy a new license with every motherboard upgrade?

BTW, I bolded the part in your quote that is questionable. And not everyone in this country has money to waste on unnecessary things.

It's amusing that you "know" all of this stuff, despite not being able to find the EULA that forms the binding legal agreement between you and Microsoft :evil: Try this:

Start > Run > winver and now click the EULA hyperlink on the box that appears.

If it's OEM, it will say something to the effect of this (this is from WinXP Pro OEM, not Home OEM):

1. GRANT OF LICENSE.
Manufacturer grants you the following rights provided that
you comply with all terms and conditions of this EULA:

1.1 Installation and use. You may install, use, access,
display and run one copy of the SOFTWARE on
the COMPUTER. The SOFTWARE may not be used
by more than two (2) processors at any one time on the
COMPUTER, unless a higher number is
indicated on the COA.

1.2 SOFTWARE as a Component of the COMPUTER - Transfer.
This license may not be shared, transferred to or used
concurrently on different computers. The SOFTWARE
is licensed with the COMPUTER as a single integrated
product and may only be used with the COMPUTER.
If the SOFTWARE is not accompanied by HARDWARE,
you may not use the SOFTWARE. You may permanently
transfer all of your rights under this EULA only as
part of a permanent sale or transfer of the COMPUTER,
provided you retain no copies of the SOFTWARE.

WinXP Pro Retail, on the other hand, says:

14. SOFTWARE TRANSFER. Internal.

You may move the Software to a different Workstation
Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove
the Software from the former Workstation Computer.

If your EULA is on the OEM terms, then from the viewpoint of the software's actual owner (Microsoft Corporation), your license is not valid anymore. Maybe that matters to you, maybe it doesn't, but that's the way they see it. It's up to you whether you want to honor that or not. Or maybe it's up to Dad, in this case

So even if your building from scratch, what's the point in paying $100-$150 more for something you don't need?

"Honor" comes to mind. Any other questions?

 

[Patrick Wolf]

I didn't know that stuff, I just found it on Microsoft.com a minute ago than copy>paste like nuts. Thanks for the Start > Run > winver though.

"Honor" my ass. More like Microsoft trying to "stick it to the end-user." What reason does Microsoft have for justifing that "new motherboard, new license" rule? The word "money" comes to mind.

However, if I would have built my PC from scratch instead of completly upgrading my Alienware PC, it would have been a wise choice to at least buy OEM XP Pro, seeing as it's only about $50 more than OEM XP and is transferable to a new PC.

And it seems odd that it doesn't say if you use your OEM XP Home license on a new PC (new motherboard that is) for activation, your CD-Key will or will not work, because it does work.