Verdict of OEM vista and change of MB

[Born_2_Kill_83]

Ive heard lots of storys about this working and not working.
I have an OEM Vista pre 64-bit.
Going to change my MB, can I re-install with the same Microsoft Key?

 

[JonnyT]

If the motherboard is a direct like-for-like replacement - i.e. same chipset etc - via a RMA/swap out then sure no problem.

If you are upgrading:

Will Vista install: Yes
Will it activate: Probably
Will you be legal: No

 

[Random Guy]

If the motherboard is a direct like-for-like replacement - i.e. same chipset etc - via a RMA/swap out then sure no problem.

If you are upgrading:

Will Vista install: Yes
Will it activate: Probably
Will you be legal: No
Will you care as long as it works: No

Fixed

 

[stoofa]

Just about summed up in the second post.

The only time you can legally replace your motherboard with an OEM license is via a warranty swap.
Any other MB swap invalidates your OEM license.

Can you physically swap your motherboard, reinstall your OEM Vista and get it activated either online or via the phone?
Most probably yes - especially if you are not exactly 100% with the truth when you call up the activation line.

Will you be legal?
No, in fact you will be no more legal than somebody who downloaded their copy of Windows from some illegal warez site.

 

[Born_2_Kill_83]

Will you be legal?
No, in fact you will be no more legal than somebody who downloaded their copy of Windows from some illegal warez site.

I agree but its totall b****it, I was a paying customer, I purchased my copy, could have easly downloaded it, I didnt.....Microsoft are gahy.

 

[Snakedoctor]

I agree but its totall b****it, I was a paying customer, I purchased my copy, could have easly downloaded it, I didnt.....Microsoft are gahy.

No its not, you bought OEM, you should research what OEM means before you buy that type of software.

 

[Born_2_Kill_83]

No its not, you bought OEM, you should research what OEM means before you buy that type of software.

I did I had an idea that this would be the case when I brought it a year ago. Still sucks though

 

[Biglunn]

I have a personal view on this.

If I was to get an OEM version of Windows, and I knowingly reinstalled it on other motherboards simply because Im a casual upgrader, then I would disapprove. The retail versions are there for casual upgraders who will knowingly upgrade regularly, and from the outset it makes sense to get the retail version.

Now... lets say I built a PC for my dad. And the motherboard failed, or was problematic. The chances are that I probably wont want that brand of motherboard again, and will get an alternative motherboard. I will probably reuse the OEM license too. Yes its technically illegal, but for the sake of a supplier that supplied me with a dodgy motherboard, Im not going to shell out for another OEM license. I dont recommend it, and Ive not ever done it, but Im just giving my opinion.

To then compare me to someone who is a genuine thief (ie someone who installs a cracked/pirate Windows and has never paid for the privelige of using the software) is downright silly.

 

[Burnsy2023]

Yes its technically illegal

Actually, whilst still being a bit of a grey area, according to advice from MS, this would conform to the licence.

Burnsy

 

[DJMK4]

I had no problems when I replaced my motherboard, neither did 2 mates of mine, just say you had it replaced under warrenty. They dont ask for any details.

My 2 mates had "Upgraded" their mobo's where as mine was a replacement of the same make/model as the board was borked and I had it replaced under warrenty.

 

[Burnsy2023]

I agree but its totall b****it, I was a paying customer, I purchased my copy, could have easly downloaded it, I didnt.....Microsoft are gahy.

Oh dear. Next time read the licence and realise that you need a retail version. It's not MS' fault you don't read the legally binding contract.

Burnsy