Can i Deactivate Windows XP Pro x64 Edition?

I Purchased Windows XP Pro X64 ED. and installed and activated it, Not long
after did i realise the requirments to have a 64bit computer, so i bought
Windows XP Pro with SP2. Now i would like to build a different computer
especially for my Windows x64 edition but i need to Deactivate it. Can anyone
please Help me?? I tried to call microsoft but they expect me to pay $35 to
Deactivate it. This is an OEM Version. Once again any help would be greatly
appriecated. Thanks!

Default
Tue Aug 16 19:51:56 CDT 2005

There is no deactivation. You simply install it on another computer and
activate on that one.

"-Metalhead-" <-Metalhead-@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:C7232623-6A9C-48E3-AF11-7F5507968D8D@microsoft.com...
>I Purchased Windows XP Pro X64 ED. and installed and activated it, Not long
> after did i realise the requirments to have a 64bit computer, so i bought
> Windows XP Pro with SP2. Now i would like to build a different computer
> especially for my Windows x64 edition but i need to Deactivate it. Can
> anyone
> please Help me?? I tried to call microsoft but they expect me to pay $35
> to
> Deactivate it. This is an OEM Version. Once again any help would be
> greatly
> appriecated. Thanks!

Bruce
Tue Aug 16 20:26:48 CDT 2005

-Metalhead- wrote:
> I Purchased Windows XP Pro X64 ED. and installed and activated it, Not long
> after did i realise the requirments to have a 64bit computer, so i bought
> Windows XP Pro with SP2. Now i would like to build a different computer
> especially for my Windows x64 edition but i need to Deactivate it. Can anyone
> please Help me?? I tried to call microsoft but they expect me to pay $35 to
> Deactivate it. This is an OEM Version. Once again any help would be greatly
> appriecated. Thanks!


There is no "de-activation" process. Anyway, because the WinXPx64
license is available only as an OEM license, it is permanently bound to
the first computer on which it was installed. It may not legitimately
be transferred to another computer under any circumstances.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

DebB
Wed Aug 17 01:09:01 CDT 2005

Even though technically the posts above are correct, all is not lost. If
you're not prepared to pay $35 (fair enough) to get a second authentication,
then the only option is to wait for 3 months until the MS database for
registrations is emptied and reset. I hope I'm correct about the exact time
frame.

The other option is to contact MS again and hope you get to speak with
someone different who will understand your mistake and honesty. They might be
able to help you for free. If it was me I'd just install it and try
registering over the net. If this doesn't work phone them and ask if your
previous install and authentication in error has anything to do with it? Play
dumb and above all be really, really nice to the person on the phone.

TIP: Don't authenticate until the final day. As soon as you do authenticate,
make a full back up of your system so you can reinstate it to this point if
you need to.

--
DebB - MCDST


"-Metalhead-" wrote:

> I Purchased Windows XP Pro X64 ED. and installed and activated it, Not long
> after did i realise the requirments to have a 64bit computer, so i bought
> Windows XP Pro with SP2. Now i would like to build a different computer
> especially for my Windows x64 edition but i need to Deactivate it. Can anyone
> please Help me?? I tried to call microsoft but they expect me to pay $35 to
> Deactivate it. This is an OEM Version. Once again any help would be greatly
> appriecated. Thanks!

Rick
Wed Aug 17 06:27:56 CDT 2005

Your info below does not make any sense.

There is no way you could have installed and activated XP x64 on a 32
bit platform!

The computer you installed XP x64 IS a 64 bit computer!!


-Metalhead- wrote:
> I Purchased Windows XP Pro X64 ED. and installed and activated it, Not long
> after did i realise the requirments to have a 64bit computer, so i bought
> Windows XP Pro with SP2. Now i would like to build a different computer
> especially for my Windows x64 edition but i need to Deactivate it. Can anyone
> please Help me?? I tried to call microsoft but they expect me to pay $35 to
> Deactivate it. This is an OEM Version. Once again any help would be greatly
> appriecated. Thanks!

DKI
Wed Aug 17 09:36:49 CDT 2005

I am not sure but i though he would be able to move it to a different PC as
long as the ORIGINAL piece of equipment it came with (the part the OS was
sold with) is still in use with it.

If it was the whole PC it came with then its then he is stuck.
>
"DebB" <DebB@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:AEC28342-49DC-42A3-A4C4-8C14C7558EB6@microsoft.com...
> Even though technically the posts above are correct, all is not lost. If
> you're not prepared to pay $35 (fair enough) to get a second
> authentication,
> then the only option is to wait for 3 months until the MS database for
> registrations is emptied and reset. I hope I'm correct about the exact
> time
> frame.
>
> The other option is to contact MS again and hope you get to speak with
> someone different who will understand your mistake and honesty. They might
> be
> able to help you for free. If it was me I'd just install it and try
> registering over the net. If this doesn't work phone them and ask if your
> previous install and authentication in error has anything to do with it?
> Play
> dumb and above all be really, really nice to the person on the phone.
>
> TIP: Don't authenticate until the final day. As soon as you do
> authenticate,
> make a full back up of your system so you can reinstate it to this point
> if
> you need to.
>
> --
> DebB - MCDST
>
>
> "-Metalhead-" wrote:
>
>> I Purchased Windows XP Pro X64 ED. and installed and activated it, Not
>> long
>> after did i realise the requirments to have a 64bit computer, so i bought
>> Windows XP Pro with SP2. Now i would like to build a different computer
>> especially for my Windows x64 edition but i need to Deactivate it. Can
>> anyone
>> please Help me?? I tried to call microsoft but they expect me to pay $35
>> to
>> Deactivate it. This is an OEM Version. Once again any help would be
>> greatly
>> appriecated. Thanks!

Bruce
Wed Aug 17 11:31:49 CDT 2005

DKI wrote:
> I am not sure but i though he would be able to move it to a different PC as
> long as the ORIGINAL piece of equipment it came with (the part the OS was
> sold with) is still in use with it.
>


No, that's no true, at all. While an Microsoft OEM operating system
license may be legitimately sold and purchased with any non-peripheral
hardware component, the license becomes permanently bound to the first
computer in which that component is installed and on which the OS is
installed. The OEM EULA makes this quite clear.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

DKI
Wed Aug 17 12:51:15 CDT 2005

Thanks for clearing that up.
>
"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
news:uOHqrk0oFHA.3304@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> DKI wrote:
>> I am not sure but i though he would be able to move it to a different PC
>> as long as the ORIGINAL piece of equipment it came with (the part the OS
>> was sold with) is still in use with it.
>>
>
>
> No, that's no true, at all. While an Microsoft OEM operating system
> license may be legitimately sold and purchased with any non-peripheral
> hardware component, the license becomes permanently bound to the first
> computer in which that component is installed and on which the OS is
> installed. The OEM EULA makes this quite clear.
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
> both at once. - RAH

RobPowell
Wed Aug 17 15:19:05 CDT 2005

To what end? What if I replaced, say, the hard drive and RAM due to failure?
Then I wanted to change the mobo and CPU to make it faster, then, I update
my burner to the latest one. Am I still legal? It's still the same PC persay,
but over 2 years I will have replaced everything. Where do I stand then?

"Bruce Chambers" wrote:

> DKI wrote:
> > I am not sure but i though he would be able to move it to a different PC as
> > long as the ORIGINAL piece of equipment it came with (the part the OS was
> > sold with) is still in use with it.
> >
>
>
> No, that's no true, at all. While an Microsoft OEM operating system
> license may be legitimately sold and purchased with any non-peripheral
> hardware component, the license becomes permanently bound to the first
> computer in which that component is installed and on which the OS is
> installed. The OEM EULA makes this quite clear.
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
> both at once. - RAH
>

Colin
Wed Aug 17 15:38:09 CDT 2005

As long as it is not a BIOS-locked copy of Windows, you will be OK.

"Rob Powell" <RobPowell@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F439C8D5-E2EC-4715-9A6A-92FD7B2043A3@microsoft.com...
> To what end? What if I replaced, say, the hard drive and RAM due to
> failure?
> Then I wanted to change the mobo and CPU to make it faster, then, I
> update
> my burner to the latest one. Am I still legal? It's still the same PC
> persay,
> but over 2 years I will have replaced everything. Where do I stand then?
>
> "Bruce Chambers" wrote:
>
>> DKI wrote:
>> > I am not sure but i though he would be able to move it to a different
>> > PC as
>> > long as the ORIGINAL piece of equipment it came with (the part the OS
>> > was
>> > sold with) is still in use with it.
>> >
>>
>>
>> No, that's no true, at all. While an Microsoft OEM operating system
>> license may be legitimately sold and purchased with any non-peripheral
>> hardware component, the license becomes permanently bound to the first
>> computer in which that component is installed and on which the OS is
>> installed. The OEM EULA makes this quite clear.
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Bruce Chambers
>>
>> Help us help you:
>> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>>
>> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
>> both at once. - RAH
>>

Colin
Wed Aug 17 15:43:47 CDT 2005

As long as it is not a BIOS-locked copy of Windows, you will be OK If it
is BIOS-locked (I don't know of any large PC builders doing this with XP Pro
x64) then as long as the replacement mobo has the same BIOS you would still
be OK.

"Rob Powell" <RobPowell@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F439C8D5-E2EC-4715-9A6A-92FD7B2043A3@microsoft.com...
> To what end? What if I replaced, say, the hard drive and RAM due to
> failure?
> Then I wanted to change the mobo and CPU to make it faster, then, I
> update
> my burner to the latest one. Am I still legal? It's still the same PC
> persay,
> but over 2 years I will have replaced everything. Where do I stand then?
>
> "Bruce Chambers" wrote:
>
>> DKI wrote:
>> > I am not sure but i though he would be able to move it to a different
>> > PC as
>> > long as the ORIGINAL piece of equipment it came with (the part the OS
>> > was
>> > sold with) is still in use with it.
>> >
>>
>>
>> No, that's no true, at all. While an Microsoft OEM operating system
>> license may be legitimately sold and purchased with any non-peripheral
>> hardware component, the license becomes permanently bound to the first
>> computer in which that component is installed and on which the OS is
>> installed. The OEM EULA makes this quite clear.
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> Bruce Chambers
>>
>> Help us help you:
>> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>>
>> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
>> both at once. - RAH
>>

GregRo
Wed Aug 17 16:49:41 CDT 2005

On Wed, 17 Aug 2005 14:38:09 -0600, "Colin Barnhorst MVP"
<colinbarharst(remove)@msn.com> wrote:

>As long as it is not a BIOS-locked copy of Windows, you will be OK.
>
>"Rob Powell" <RobPowell@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

Actual even if it is. You can still reactive it.

Greg Ro

Colin
Wed Aug 17 17:25:02 CDT 2005

Message cancelled and replaced with the one following.

"GregRo" <webworm11@lycos.com> wrote in message
news:3mhpn3F16n15pU1@individual.net...
> On Wed, 17 Aug 2005 14:38:09 -0600, "Colin Barnhorst MVP"
> <colinbarharst(remove)@msn.com> wrote:
>
>>As long as it is not a BIOS-locked copy of Windows, you will be OK.
>>
>>"Rob Powell" <RobPowell@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>
> Actual even if it is. You can still reactive it.
>
> Greg Ro

Bruce
Wed Aug 17 19:31:52 CDT 2005

Rob Powell wrote:
> To what end? What if I replaced, say, the hard drive and RAM due to failure?
> Then I wanted to change the mobo and CPU to make it faster, then, I update
> my burner to the latest one. Am I still legal? It's still the same PC persay,
> but over 2 years I will have replaced everything. Where do I stand then?
>


According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from one
distinct PC to another PC. Nothing is said about prohibiting one from
repairing or upgrading the PC on which an OEM license is installed.

Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
such distinction. Others believe that one could successfully argue that
it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where one
is instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the EULA
does not specifically define any single component as the computer.
Licensed Microsoft Systems Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM
licenses with computers they sell, are contractually obligated to
"define" the computer as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition
can't be applied to the end user until the EULA is re-written.

Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry
to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is
solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine
what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support
agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded
computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM
EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've
built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the
"OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your product.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

Bruce
Wed Aug 17 19:33:34 CDT 2005

GregRo wrote:

>
>
> Actual even if it is. You can still reactive it.
>


Not always. I've encountered many different (meaning from different
OEMs) BIOS-locked CDs that won't even install on a different
motherboard, much less activate.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

Colin
Wed Aug 17 19:56:30 CDT 2005

Actually, a BIOS-locked OS doesn't need to activate. As GregRo indicates,
it either installs or it doesn't. If it installs it doesn't require
activation.

"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
news:euDI3x4oFHA.3996@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> GregRo wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Actual even if it is. You can still reactive it.
>>
>
>
> Not always. I've encountered many different (meaning from different OEMs)
> BIOS-locked CDs that won't even install on a different motherboard, much
> less activate.
>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
> both at once. - RAH

GregRo
Wed Aug 17 21:14:45 CDT 2005

On Wed, 17 Aug 2005 18:33:34 -0600, Bruce Chambers
<bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote:

>GregRo wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Actual even if it is. You can still reactive it.
>>
>
>
> Not always. I've encountered many different (meaning from different
>OEMs) BIOS-locked CDs that won't even install on a different
>motherboard, much less activate.

Actual depending on the system. There is a work around the bios lock.
I have done it in on xp sp1 home system(not 64bit) -just to see. It
may require activation.

To work you need win98se boot disk or win98 or me system and a certain
folder on your xp computer and you system needs to be fat32 to be
installed correctly. You can change it afterwards.

There


Greg Ro

Colin
Wed Aug 17 22:43:20 CDT 2005

I don't think the activation wizard is enabled in a BIOS locked OEM edition.
It may not even be present. Since BIOS-locking and activation are both
answers to the same problem (what MS calls "casual copying"), it is
redundant to have both and I don't think your experiment can result in the
appearance of the activation wizard.

"GregRo" <webworm11@lycos.com> wrote in message
news:3mi984F16tomsU1@individual.net...
> On Wed, 17 Aug 2005 18:33:34 -0600, Bruce Chambers
> <bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote:
>
>>GregRo wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Actual even if it is. You can still reactive it.
>>>
>>
>>
>> Not always. I've encountered many different (meaning from different
>>OEMs) BIOS-locked CDs that won't even install on a different
>>motherboard, much less activate.
>
> Actual depending on the system. There is a work around the bios lock.
> I have done it in on xp sp1 home system(not 64bit) -just to see. It
> may require activation.
>
> To work you need win98se boot disk or win98 or me system and a certain
> folder on your xp computer and you system needs to be fat32 to be
> installed correctly. You can change it afterwards.
>
> There
>
>
> Greg Ro

GregRo
Thu Aug 18 08:16:13 CDT 2005

Alright here it goes. I was not going to tell this.

On an emachine w2040. xp sp1 It is bios locked.
This reason I know this is if you use the image key to reinstall it-no
activation will be required. If you try to install this using the
image key on another system it will require activation. Now if you
use the key that is listed on the machine either way it will require
activation.

I think some manufactures are now removing the i386 folder or hiding
it so you can't do the above or do a clean install.




Greg Ro

Charlie
Thu Aug 18 09:02:06 CDT 2005

And, ultimately, there might be no actual parts from the original PC that
are still in the new PC. But it's still the same PC, if, for example, it has
the same case. But even the case isn't definitive. I've swapped out cases on
machines before, without changing the intent of what is the original PC. But
usually the distinctive piece is the case which is why that's where the OEM
sticker goes.

--
Charlie.

Bruce Chambers wrote:
> Rob Powell wrote:
>> To what end? What if I replaced, say, the hard drive and RAM due to
>> failure? Then I wanted to change the mobo and CPU to make it faster,
>> then, I update my burner to the latest one. Am I still legal? It's
>> still the same PC persay, but over 2 years I will have replaced
>> everything. Where do I stand then?
>
>
> According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from one
> distinct PC to another PC. Nothing is said about prohibiting one from
> repairing or upgrading the PC on which an OEM license is installed.
>
> Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
> that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
> such distinction. Others believe that one could successfully argue that
> it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where one
> is instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the EULA
> does not specifically define any single component as the computer.
> Licensed Microsoft Systems Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM
> licenses with computers they sell, are contractually obligated to
> "define" the computer as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition
> can't be applied to the end user until the EULA is re-written.
>
> Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
> when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
> computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
> definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry
> to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is
> solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine
> what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support
> agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded
> computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM
> EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've
> built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the
> "OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your product.

Donald
Thu Aug 18 13:14:19 CDT 2005

Charlie,

Did you ever hear the story of the farmer who owned the same axe for 30
years?
Of course he had replaced the handle 6 or 7 times and the head twice but, by
golly it was the same axe he'd always owned!

DonW


"Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
news:OEAz01$oFHA.1148@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
> And, ultimately, there might be no actual parts from the original PC that
> are still in the new PC. But it's still the same PC, if, for example, it
> has the same case. But even the case isn't definitive. I've swapped out
> cases on machines before, without changing the intent of what is the
> original PC. But usually the distinctive piece is the case which is why
> that's where the OEM sticker goes.
>
> --
> Charlie.
>
> Bruce Chambers wrote:
>> Rob Powell wrote:
>>> To what end? What if I replaced, say, the hard drive and RAM due to
>>> failure? Then I wanted to change the mobo and CPU to make it faster,
>>> then, I update my burner to the latest one. Am I still legal? It's
>>> still the same PC persay, but over 2 years I will have replaced
>>> everything. Where do I stand then?
>>
>>
>> According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from one
>> distinct PC to another PC. Nothing is said about prohibiting one from
>> repairing or upgrading the PC on which an OEM license is installed.
>>
>> Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
>> that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
>> such distinction. Others believe that one could successfully argue that
>> it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where one
>> is instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the EULA
>> does not specifically define any single component as the computer.
>> Licensed Microsoft Systems Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM
>> licenses with computers they sell, are contractually obligated to
>> "define" the computer as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition
>> can't be applied to the end user until the EULA is re-written.
>>
>> Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
>> when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
>> computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
>> definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry
>> to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is
>> solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine
>> what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support
>> agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded
>> computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM
>> EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've
>> built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the
>> "OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your
>> product.
>
>

Charlie
Thu Aug 18 14:58:48 CDT 2005

I heard it as the carpenter and his hammer, but yes. It's a familiar story.
The same applies here, essentially. If you do it all incrementally, it's the
same machine. If you replace it with a new machine, it's not. It's not hard
to know when you're legal on this, actually.

--
Charlie.

Donald Wilkinson wrote:
> Charlie,
>
> Did you ever hear the story of the farmer who owned the same axe for 30
> years?
> Of course he had replaced the handle 6 or 7 times and the head twice but,
> by golly it was the same axe he'd always owned!
>
> DonW
>
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
> news:OEAz01$oFHA.1148@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl...
>> And, ultimately, there might be no actual parts from the original PC that
>> are still in the new PC. But it's still the same PC, if, for example, it
>> has the same case. But even the case isn't definitive. I've swapped out
>> cases on machines before, without changing the intent of what is the
>> original PC. But usually the distinctive piece is the case which is why
>> that's where the OEM sticker goes.
>>
>> --
>> Charlie.
>>
>> Bruce Chambers wrote:
>>> Rob Powell wrote:
>>>> To what end? What if I replaced, say, the hard drive and RAM due to
>>>> failure? Then I wanted to change the mobo and CPU to make it faster,
>>>> then, I update my burner to the latest one. Am I still legal? It's
>>>> still the same PC persay, but over 2 years I will have replaced
>>>> everything. Where do I stand then?
>>>
>>>
>>> According to the EULA, an OEM license may not be transferred from one
>>> distinct PC to another PC. Nothing is said about prohibiting one from
>>> repairing or upgrading the PC on which an OEM license is installed.
>>>
>>> Now, some people believe that the motherboard is the key component
>>> that defines the "original computer," but the OEM EULA does not make any
>>> such distinction. Others believe that one could successfully argue that
>>> it's the PC's case that is the deciding component, as that is where one
>>> is instructed to affix the OEM CoA label w/Product Key. Again, the EULA
>>> does not specifically define any single component as the computer.
>>> Licensed Microsoft Systems Builders, who are allowed to distribute OEM
>>> licenses with computers they sell, are contractually obligated to
>>> "define" the computer as the motherboard, but this limitation/definition
>>> can't be applied to the end user until the EULA is re-written.
>>>
>>> Microsoft has, to date, been very careful _not_ publicly to define
>>> when an incrementally upgraded computer ceases to be the original
>>> computer. The closest I've ever seen a Microsoft employee come to this
>>> definition (in a public forum) is to tell the person making the inquiry
>>> to consult the PC's manufacturer. As the OEM license's support is
>>> solely the responsibility of said manufacturer, they should determine
>>> what sort of hardware changes to allow before the warranty and support
>>> agreements are voided. To paraphrase: An incrementally upgraded
>>> computer ceases to be the original computer, as pertains to the OEM
>>> EULA, only when the *OEM* says it's a different computer. If you've
>>> built the system yourself, and used a generic OEM CD, then _you_ are the
>>> "OEM," and _you_ get to decide when you'll no longer support your
>>> product.