What causes the need for new Vista activation key

[Sandan]

Anyone know for sure what will cause Vista to need a new activation key? I have heard that only a change in MotherBoard may cause such. It is my understanding that you can format or change other parts as often as you want. Do you think these things are true? I am especially interested in what (for sure) will require the need to call Microsoft and get a new activation key? Thanks.

 

[stash]

I'm not sure about the specifics, but it is apparently supposed to be more tolerant of minor hardware changes compared to XP.

 

[Sandan]

Well now I am confused. I read a statement by a Microsoft employee regarding vista which states that "You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between device". Responses to this post seem to feel this means you can change motherboard or any other part as often as you want and still be able to activate Vista with the same key. Any thoughts?

 

[ColKurtz]

I think I remember hearing on some podcast that changing a mobo OR a CPU AND at least one other component would trigger a re-activation request. Not sure what non-motherboard/CPU changes might trigger it.