BIOS Update = Vista Reactivation

avrc · 7 Jan 2009 at 20:55

I updated my BIOS today and I've just been prompted to reactivate. It refused to do it online saying the key was already in use, so I've had to go through the lengthy phone automated activation.

Now I understand that with Vista OEM that swapping your motherboard means you're no longer legal even if activated. As I've had to reactivate after a BIOS update does this mean it would no longer be legal as well?

Fire Wizard · 7 Jan 2009 at 21:00

Hi avrc, if you update your BIOS then it's perfectly normal for you to have to reactivate Windows but you are still perfectly licensed. It's only if you physically change your motherboard for performance upgrade purposes will you not be licensed.

thepeganator · 7 Jan 2009 at 21:25

You're still perfectly legal right now, even swapping the MB is seen as fine, you'll just have to ring up.

You're not allowed to change the whole system, changing parts is fine.

For convenience perposes they tie the "computer" to the MB (as you don't often change that), but if you just change the MB you're not changing the whole system, but will have to ring up most likely.

J.B · 7 Jan 2009 at 21:55

thepeganator said:
You're still perfectly legal right now, even swapping the MB is seen as fine, you'll just have to ring up.

You're not allowed to change the whole system, changing parts is fine.

For convenience perposes they tie the "computer" to the MB (as you don't often change that), but if you just change the MB you're not changing the whole system, but will have to ring up most likely.

Im pretty sure you can only change the Mobo if the original one is faulty and has been replaced. With the OEM version it is only to be used on one Mobo, you couldnt just upgrade if you feel like it.

I think thats right anyway.

Bit of a side track anyway, OP is still legal.

Burnsy2023 · 7 Jan 2009 at 22:26

J.B said:
Im pretty sure you can only change the Mobo if the original one is faulty and has been replaced. With the OEM version it is only to be used on one Mobo, you couldnt just upgrade if you feel like it.

I think thats right anyway.

Bit of a side track anyway, OP is still legal.

That is correct. You can't replace motherboards on an OEM willy nilly.