Which version of Vista x64?

[Solari]

I'm looking at moving to the 64 bit version of Vista from XP Pro, but I'm a bit perplexed by the absence of Retail versions on OcUK? I don't like the idea of the OEM version being tied down to the motherboard - that just plain sucks.

Am I missing something?

 

[ShakenNstirred]

has anyone ever been refused reactivation of OEM version by M$

I'm sure if you just said to them that the Motherboard fried and you had it replace they would reactivate

 

[mrk]

Nobody with a legit version has been refused. If they have then they're being awfully quiet about it...

I re-activated mine numerous times on 32bit and the final time last time when going from 32bit ultimate to 64bit.

 

[stoofa]

has anyone ever been refused reactivation of OEM version by M$

I'm sure if you just said to them that the Motherboard fried and you had it replace they would reactivate

No - and it is highly unlikely anybody ever will.
Especially if you lie during the activation process and talk about failed motherboards, OS reinstallations etc even after a motherboard swap.

However the bottom line is.
If you replace your motherboard whilst using an OEM version you are no longer licensed.
If doesn't matter if MS activate your product - you still aren't licensed.
If you replace your motherboard under an OEM license you are no more legal than somebody who simply downloaded their copy of Vista off the net.

It always amazes me that people go and buy OEM - I'm assuming in an attempt to be legal and then make themselves totally illegal a year or so later with a MB upgrade.
It begs the question why bother buying the OS in the first place.

 

[DampCat]

Because you can't trust downloaded versions of Windows, and it's not worth paying full price for it.

Simple really. Why pay more?*


*rhetorical question, doesn't need answering. I'm aware of the legal reasons but the simple fact is, if you can buy the software for a fraction of the price, and microsoft take it upon themselves to reactivate it (they must be aware of the lies) then the consumer has more of their hard earned cash in their pocket.

It's not my job to audit Microsoft's activation process, and i'm not going to feel guilty for taking advantage of a situation that allows me to save money. We're ripped off from every angle every day as consumers because we don't get a choice in the prices we pay. Well, now we do.

If MS have a problem with it, don't reactivate products.

 

[ShakenNstirred]

No - and it is highly unlikely anybody ever will.
Especially if you lie during the activation process and talk about failed motherboards, OS reinstallations etc even after a motherboard swap.

However the bottom line is.
If you replace your motherboard whilst using an OEM version you are no longer licensed.
If doesn't matter if MS activate your product - you still aren't licensed.
If you replace your motherboard under an OEM license you are no more legal than somebody who simply downloaded their copy of Vista off the net.

It always amazes me that people go and buy OEM - I'm assuming in an attempt to be legal and then make themselves totally illegal a year or so later with a MB upgrade.
It begs the question why bother buying the OS in the first place.

i have always used OEM versions on my PC`s going back to win95(in 1995)
and never had a problem with M$ when phoning them
at the end of the day no one checks you are licensed or not so why worry about it
if it was such a big issue then M$ shouldn't reactivate and places like OcUK shouldn't sell OEM disc`s to us
I'm sure M$ wouldn't get anywhere in court or wherever if they said my OEM vista isn't licensed for use on my PC because i changed the MB
when they knew that from my phone call and still reactivated it, there by giving me there consent to use it

 

[Solari]

Perhaps MS are just cutting their losses - if they refuse to reactivate you, chances are you'll just go and download a not-so-legal version...