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Vista - OEM vs Retail

boomerang

boomerang

Lifer
I guess it's time for Vista. My University copy of XP Pro suddenly says it did not pass validation. My guess is they've switched over to Vista and as such, the VL key has been rendered bogus.

I hate to spend the money on XP with Vista out, but I don't like the thought of moving to Vista either. But I guess I've decided that if I have to make the move, it might as well be Vista.

I build a number of systems for others and have always gone OEM, trying to keep the price down, but I'm not sure that's the way I want to go for myself. Are they really enforcing the one computer edict for Vista OEM? I hate the thought of a motherboard taking a dump and having to purchase a new copy. I just put together a new rig early this year and I will be fine for a good long time in regard to upgrading (years actually), but things happen. I'd hate to have to repurchase because of a hardware failure.

I'm thinking retail is what I need, but would welcome any thoughts or links.

 
Retail is always the best way, although so far, ms has not been bothering folks reactivating OEM Vista.
You just need to tell me the proper things. Like mobo died and same model not available any more.

As to your XP not passing validation, if it is a legit copy from the school, go back to them and show them
your receipt. The school should have an updated key for you, if in fact, the original key was Blacklisted
by Microsoft ... or call Microsoft and see what they can do to validate it. You can also post on the Microsoft
forums ..... they have a place for people with Validation Issues .. you run a special program and it tells
MS what failed and why it failed .. .They can then help you fix it. Link to help at MS below:

http://forums.microsoft.com/Ge...442&SiteID=25&PageID=3

Link to tool ms will need you to run:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=52012
 
MS quickly backed out of their original EULA of only moving Vista once. But, this was for the retail version. Legally, an OEM version is suppose to stay with the computer the consumer purchased that had it installed.

That's not right for your legit copy of XP to fail validation. Call MS.
 
I want to thank you both for your help.

I did a little minor digging around at the IU site and it seems that the key has been leaked. Those using their computers within the state of Indiana will not get the validation message. Those outside will.

I need to contact IU for assistance.
 
While the OEM Vista is supposed to be used on one motherboard, I have read that you can call MS and get a new key if your board dies, if you just tell them you have a hardware failure. Obviously this could be abused if you just want to upgrade the board, but I don't see anything wrong with it if you really do have a board failure.
 
While the OEM Vista is supposed to be used on one motherboard, I have read that you can call MS and get a new key if your board dies, if you just tell them you have a hardware failure. Obviously this could be abused if you just want to upgrade the board, but I don't see anything wrong with it if you really do have a board failure.
Click to expand...

It's only legal if you replace the failed board with whatever the OEM gives you as a replacement, i.e. the same model or a slight upgrade if the OEM stopped making that model. If your board dies and you decide it's time to upgrade and buy a completely different board from a new OEM, etc it's not legal although MS probably won't inquire that far.
 
You can even go so far as to replace the memory, video card, chipset, processor etc and MS will let you activate if you say your old computer blew up and you had to replace it. Although this might not be morally correct if it isn't true, I've never heard of MS rejecting anyone who claims they're recovering from hardware failure. It's not like they have the time or resources to check your story out and see if it holds weight.
 
Question:
I am planning on going with P35 most likely to replace my 680i. If, for example, I got a gigabyte P35 board and it became unstable/died what would be my options to stay "legal" with vista oem? Coud I swap it out for any other P35 board or any gigabyte P35?
 
I am planning on going with P35 most likely to replace my 680i. If, for example, I got a gigabyte P35 board and it became unstable/died what would be my options to stay "legal" with vista oem? Coud I swap it out for any other P35 board or any gigabyte P35?
Click to expand...

To be perfectly legal you'll probably need to call Gigabyte and ask for a warranty replacement and see what they give you.
 
Originally posted by: Nothinman

To be perfectly legal you'll probably need to call Gigabyte and ask for a warranty replacement and see what they give you.
Click to expand...

I guess I was meaning if the exact board is out of warranty.
 
Originally posted by: Nothinman
Guess you should've paid for that extended warranty then. =)
Click to expand...

:roll: I'm asking what MS oem licensing says about this. It doesn't matter about a warranty if they no longer manufacture that exact board.
 
I'm asking what MS oem licensing says about this. It doesn't matter about a warranty if they no longer manufacture that exact board.
Click to expand...

Call their licensing number and ask. They'll probably tell you that it's fine but that's a gray area that I'm not sure is covered directly by the license.
 
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