windows xp home oem coa - additional license?

[sped]

Hey gang,

I have what I think is a simple question, but I haven't seen it from the searches I just did. I have a pc that I have win xp home installed. I bought the full OEM version when I bought a new processor. Now I want to upgrade the second pc that I have in my home that the rest of the family uses. Instead of buying another full OEM copy ow XP I noticed on pricewatch OEM coa's (certificate of authenticity). Its much cheaper ($58) and from what little info is listed seems like an additional license that can be purchased when one already has the full OEM home version. For the most part this seems like a great thing if you are a system builder, but I am wondering if their would be problems for me. I mean I do build my own machines - but I like to upgrade alot. The COA comes with unique product activation keys and sticker etc which allow you to install it on a second pc, but if you were to say swap out a mainboard and a bunch of other stuff would their be a problem since as an OEM additional license would the product key be permanently tagged to the original hardware? I mean its almost like getting a dell or compaq with no real window install disc. All you have is the sticker on the back and if you really start changing hardware would I be screwed? Am I just better off spending the extra cash and getting a full OEM version with CD instead? All I am trying to do is have a 2 pc household with XP legally. Comments and advice please!

SPED

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

Am I just better off spending the extra cash and getting a full OEM version with CD instead?

No, not really..The paper(or sticker) COA is all that Microsoft really cares about anyway. The CD is just a medium to get the OS to you. Technically, even though you used the same cd, you will still have 2 seperate licensed machines.

All you have is the sticker on the back and if you really start changing hardware would I be screwed?

No. You may however have to call Microsoft to re-activate. Again, each machine will be seperate.

All I am trying to do is have a 2 pc household with XP legally.

By having 2 licenses, you will be just fine.

 

[sped]

Thanks,

That is what I thought, as long as the coa is geniuine. Which brings a question. Anyone have any luck with getting these COA's from a reputable online dealer. I was looking at componentsdirect.com and powerstartpc.com. Neither of them have a good reseller rating right now. Anyone know of a good place that has these at good prices?

 

[CU]

I just got mine from directdeals.com, and it worked fine. It cost me $65 with shipping.