Can i re-use a windows licence that comes with a new pc

[Burnsy2023]

I know of someone who bought OEM Windows XP (with a mouse as the HARDWARE). He didn't realise the COA was all that significant and it ended up in the bin before it was installed (the COA was attached to the outside of the cellophane wrapping). He phoned Microsoft and explained what he had done and over the phone he was provided with a replacement product key. They said they were surprised he was able to buy the OEM Windows XP with a mouse but were still happy to deal with him and sort out his problem.

BTW you do realise that you no longer need to purchase an OEM licence with hardware?

He hasn't the COA attached to his case and I highly doubt Microsoft care about it.

That may be true, but he's still not technically licenced.

When it comes to individual interpretation of the EULA which is ambiguous anyway Microsoft probably don't care all that much (more so they want companies to adhere to it) and likely it doesn't mean that much to the average joe either anyway.

Although true, its still not the point. The EULA isn't that ambiguous and people need to know what they need to do to stay legal.

Burnsy

 

[Burnsy2023]

if you're not supposed to be allowed to do it, then the phone activation people should tell you so, not just randomly allow people to do it

Yes I agree, but one of the problems is getting a user to tell them exactly what they have done.

Burnsy